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A potentially botched traffic stop by three Billings Police officers has led to more than 170 criminal cases investigated by the officers being reviewed, with several felony cases already dismissed. In May 2023, three officers responding to a traffic stop obtained consent from the driver to search the vehicle by what the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office deemed deceptive means. Starting in October of this year, the county attorney’s office has compiled a list of criminal cases investigated by the three officers and is asking defense attorneys to review those cases for any potential misconduct. “My attorneys are going to get together with defense attorneys,” Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said Friday, “and we’re going to figure out how this issue involving these officers will impact their cases. That’s my constitutional obligation.” The three officers have been placed on leave pending an internal investigation, said Billings Police Chief Rich St. John. In that May 1, 2023, traffic stop, Billings Police Officers Matthew Bistline, Ian Busta and Blaine Lane responded, according to a letter issued by Twito on Wednesday. Although verbal consent seemed to have been given to search the vehicle, one conversation recorded on the officers’ body cameras “appeared to focus on obtaining written consent of the driver through a deceptive manner,” Twito wrote. During that conversation, two of those officers either removed or shut off their body cameras. “Because of these circumstances, it is possible that in this case, the written consent was obtained by deceptive means,” Twito wrote. Tyler Dugger, a defense attorney based in Billings, represented the woman stopped by the three officers. She was charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs and her case was weeks away from trial when she told Dugger there may have been misconduct on the responding officers' part. Although Dugger declined to share specific details he found from reviewing body camera footage of the stop, he said he found some elements of the officers' behavior to be "concerning" and "problematic." Dugger disclosed his findings to the prosecutor and the case was subsequently dismissed. Starting in October, the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office launched a massive investigation into all active criminal cases involving the three officers. Not long after Twito’s office became aware of the details revealed in the traffic stop in late October, he made identifying all cases in which the three officers played a role a priority, he said. “It was an added extra obligation,” he said, “but it’s an important obligation.” The intent of the letter, Twito told the Gazette, is to notify defense attorneys their clients may potentially be impacted, and to invite those attorneys to review those cases. “Being a police officer is a tough job,” Billings attorney Joe Zavatsky said, “but we have to hold them to high standards because that is the government, and when the government is treating individuals unfairly that is not good.” Zavatsky, with Alpine Law, is representing two clients whose cases have been flagged by the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office for review. In the moment after an officer asks for consent to search a vehicle, Zavatsky said, a million things can be going through a person’s mind, regardless of whether or not they have anything illegal in their vehicle. Even if a driver says, “no,” Zavatsky explained, an officer can seize their vehicle pending a search warrant. “You’re in such a hard spot right there to make a decision,” he said, “and if an officer is not being forthright in how they’re explaining that, then it tips the scales in an unjust and unfair way.” with his letter, Twito included a list of all active cases currently under review, and is asking defense attorneys to inform their clients and discuss case resolutions with prosecutors. In total, the YCAO has identified 178 potentially compromised criminal cases. Those active cases date back to 2021, and include men and woman accused of murder, rape and assault. The majority of those cases are in the pretrial stage of resolution. Zavatsky said he received the announcement of the investigation, along with the list of impacted cases on Wednesday. The two cases in which he’s named as a defense attorney, he said, will likely not be impacted. In the case of Panda Emily Aradia, BPD Officer Lane shot Aradia after she brought a loaded handgun into the Billings Clinic and threatened staff. The shooting was captured on camera, Zavatsky said, and as such will not impede the appeal filed on Aradia’s behalf to the Montana Supreme Court. The second client represented by Zavatsky on the list, Jane Nicole Knowshisgun, recently reached a plea agreement with county prosecutors in which she admitted to tampering with evidence in a homicide case. Her case will also likely not be impacted, Zavatsky said. Although Zavatsky has not gone through each case named by the YCAO, he said the role of the three officers will probably be more limited in the serious cases, like the nine murder cases. For homicide cases in particular, he said, BPD detectives perform most of the investigation, and none of the three officers were part of the BPD Investigations Division. Dugger commended county prosecutors and BPD for their proactive response. In the weeks leading up to the letter from Twito, Dugger said he's represented several clients whose cases have been dismissed, and estimated that roughly a third of his 10 active criminal cases mentioned in the list probably will be impacted. Bistline, Lane and Busta have all been disciplined over the past four years for violating BPD policy, according to disciplinary records obtained by the Gazette. Those policy violations have included reaching excessive speeds during pursuits, violating the department’s policy regarding gathering and preserving evidence and violating the BPD’s ethical standards in use of social media. Most of those violations resulted in those officers receiving oral or written warnings. Bistline, who joined BPD in the summer of 2021, has been disciplined five times for violating BPD policy, according to data from the department. Prior to moving to Billings, he was a deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. In March 2020, he was The investigation concluded the shooting was not unlawful. Two years into his service as a BPD officer, Bistline received the Officer of the Year Award from the Montana Association of Chiefs of Police at ceremony in which Gov. Greg Gianforte was present. Bistline was also one of seven enforcement officers in May 2022. Last month, a coroner’s jury concluded that the Gazette previously reported. Officer Lane, another one of the first responders who shot Yellowtail when he drew a toy pistol on police, has been disciplined by the department five times in the past four years. In those four years, Lane has been reprimanded for improper use and care of a police vehicle and violating the department’s code of conduct in his use of social media. Busta has faced five disciplinary actions in the past four years for his conduct as an officer. In 2023, he received an oral warning for violating the department’s video recording policy, and earlier this year he was required to undergo “education base discipline” for violating BPD’s policy regarding emergency responses and police pursuits. In an email to the Gazette, Chief St. John confirmed that the three officers were the subject of an internal investigation focusing on any potential misconduct. "Although no disposition has been determined," St. John said, "the seriousness of the allegation and potential negative effect on criminal justice processes required I put them on leave out of an abundance of caution. More information will be available when the investigation and administrative process are complete." Situations in which the YCAO has to undergo a massive evaluation of its caseload are rare, Twito said, but they do happen, such as in 2018 The technician was fired, and the thefts jeopardized dozens of criminal cases. Working with all of the people who encompass the criminal justice system in Billings, Twito said, there’s always the potential for similar scenarios. “This is a process that’s rare,” he said, “but we’ve gone through it before.” “What I can say is we need to let that process unfold.” Now that prosecutors have combed through their caseload to best of their abilities, Dugger said, it is now the job of defense attorneys to review their own cases to confirm which, if any, will be affected. The cases likely to be impacted the most, he said, are those in which Bistline, Lane and Busta served as the primary investigators. As such, it is more than likely Billings Municipal Court will have a larger number of impacted cases. The City Attorney's Office did not immediately respond for comment. "The next step," Dugger said, "and the open question right now is potential action in closed cases."jili fb777 。

NoneJPMorgan Chase & Co. lessened its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF ( NYSEARCA:VEA – Free Report ) by 15.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 10,837,794 shares of the company’s stock after selling 1,996,945 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned about 0.41% of Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF worth $572,344,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of VEA. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF by 308.2% in the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 462,230 shares of the company’s stock valued at $24,410,000 after buying an additional 348,989 shares during the period. Hiley Hunt Wealth Management grew its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF by 2.0% during the third quarter. Hiley Hunt Wealth Management now owns 224,714 shares of the company’s stock valued at $11,867,000 after purchasing an additional 4,462 shares during the last quarter. DGS Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF by 7.7% during the third quarter. DGS Capital Management LLC now owns 29,139 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,539,000 after purchasing an additional 2,076 shares during the last quarter. Capasso Planning Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF by 21.7% during the 3rd quarter. Capasso Planning Partners LLC now owns 318,060 shares of the company’s stock worth $16,797,000 after purchasing an additional 56,631 shares during the period. Finally, Inspire Trust Co. N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF by 5.5% in the 3rd quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. now owns 20,760 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,096,000 after purchasing an additional 1,090 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF Price Performance Shares of VEA opened at $48.11 on Friday. Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF has a 12 month low of $45.91 and a 12 month high of $53.40. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $49.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $50.48. The company has a market cap of $126.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.32 and a beta of 0.88. Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF Company Profile The Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund (VEA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market-cap weighted index of large-, mid- and small-cap stocks from developed markets outside the US. VEA was launched on Jul 20, 2007 and is managed by Vanguard. Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF Should You Add These Warren Buffett Stocks to Your Portfolio? Buffett Takes the Bait; Berkshire Buys More Oxy in December Industrial Products Stocks Investing Top 3 ETFs to Hedge Against Inflation in 2025 Using the MarketBeat Dividend Yield Calculator These 3 Chip Stock Kings Are Still Buys for 2025 Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 5 years of experience covering gender issues and basic education in West Africa. CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! FCT, Abuja - Malala Fund and its partners on Friday, December 6, urged the Nigerian government to prioritise girls’ education in the 2025 budget by significantly increasing funding to ensure every girl can learn in a safe and supportive environment. In recent years, Nigeria has allocated 5-8% of its national budget to education, significantly below the 15-20% benchmark recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This underinvestment has left millions of children, especially girls, without access to quality education. Girls in marginalised communities, particularly in the north, face multiple challenges including poverty, insecurity and socio-cultural barriers that hinder their access to education. Nabila Aguele, chief executive of Malala Fund Nigeria, said: “Investing in education is the single most transformative step Nigeria can take to unlock the potential of girls and build a more equitable future. Read also Economy: Shettima identifies ‘unsettling gaps in need of serious attention’ PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! “Girls in underserved regions, who have the most to gain from education, deserve dedicated resources to remove barriers to learning. The 2025 budget is an opportunity to right this wrong and invest in their future.” Gender-Responsive Education Budgeting in Nigeria The civil society leaders stated that some states are making significant progress in tackling barriers to education for girls. Sani Muhammad, executive director of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative and Malala Fund Education Champion explained that Kano state , for example, allocated 31% of their 2025 budget to education. Muhammad said: “This allocation affirms the efforts of stakeholders and reflects an increased commitment to girls’ education." In Oyo state, 21% of their 2025 budget is allocated to education, continuing a trend of increased investment. However, Bukky Shonibare, the executive director of Invictus Africa and Malala Fund Education Champion, noted the absence of dedicated budget lines for girls’ education. Read also South Africa eases visa rule for Nigeria, speaks on implementing five-year multiple-entry visas She said: “While these general increases may benefit all students, gender-specific challenges require targeted approaches to ensure girls receive equitable opportunities." She added that Invictus Africa’s baseline assessment on gender-responsive education budgeting (GREB) in Oyo state identified this gap and recommended practical budget lines to address gender disparities. Legit.ng learnt that the 13 civil society leaders who signed the press statement advocate for 12 years of free education for all Nigerian girls. Nigeria's 2025 national budget: Key demands Amid the anxiety related to President Bola Tinubu's anticipated presentation of the 2025 budget, Malala Fund and its partners called on the federal and state governments to: Increase the education budget: Allocate at least 15% of the national budget to education, aligning with global standards. Targetfunding: Ensure resources reach marginalised students, particularly girls in underserved regions, through dedicated budget lines and targeted interventions. Increase fiscal accountability: Establish strong mechanisms to ensure resources are used efficiently and budgets are allocated and spent transparently. Align with global standards: Commit to a phased plan to incrementally increase the education budget over the next five years, meeting international standards. Target state interventions: Adjust funding models to consider population size and unique challenges to ensure equitable distribution of resources to regions most in need. Implement gender-responsive education budgeting (GREB): Nigeria has made progress using gender analysis for education policies but still needs a cohesive national GREB framework. Girls across Nigeria have called on the government to implement this framework to ensure investments address the specific needs of girls, tackle gender disparities in education access and outcomes and promote equitable education for all. Read also Reps make demand to CBN as PoS operators announce new charges for deposit, withdrawals Importance of investing in girls’ education Investing in girls’ education delivers great returns. Research indicates that each additional year of schooling increases a girl’s earning potential by up to 10% and reduces the likelihood of child marriage and early pregnancy. At a national level, greater access to education leads to higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth, healthier populations and stronger economies. Malala Fund and its partners concluded: "We urge the Nigerian government to seize this opportunity to prioritise education in the 2025 budget. By doing this, Nigeria can bridge gaps in school enrolment and retention, promote equitable education outcomes and unlock long-term economic benefits. Girls’ futures — and the nation’s progress — depend on it." Meanwhile, strong indications have emerged that President Tinubu may present the 2025 budget to the joint session of the national assembly (NASS) this December. Recall at a November 2024 emergency meeting, the federal executive council (FEC) approved a proposed 2025 budget of N48 trillion. Though Abubakar Bagudu, the minister of budget and economic planning, announced that the budget is ready and gave indications of some of its contents, what seems imminent is that like the 2024 budget, the 2025 budget is again late. Read also Good news for investors as Nigeria issues first Eurobond after 2 years Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to raise awareness on girl–child education in the country, has advocated 12 years of free, safe and quality education for school-age girls. The coalition, the National Working Group on Basic and Senior Secondary Education, said by doing so, the country would be taking significant steps towards a brighter future for all Nigerians. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng

Barclays PLC increased its stake in Wave Life Sciences Ltd. ( NASDAQ:WVE – Free Report ) by 171.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 159,241 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 100,498 shares during the quarter. Barclays PLC owned about 0.13% of Wave Life Sciences worth $1,307,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in WVE. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Wave Life Sciences by 23.4% during the 3rd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 4,512 shares of the company’s stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 856 shares during the period. Profund Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Wave Life Sciences during the second quarter worth $53,000. Principal Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Wave Life Sciences during the second quarter valued at $74,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its holdings in shares of Wave Life Sciences by 13.6% in the second quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 15,887 shares of the company’s stock worth $79,000 after purchasing an additional 1,905 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Point72 DIFC Ltd purchased a new position in Wave Life Sciences in the 3rd quarter worth about $98,000. 89.73% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Activity In other Wave Life Sciences news, CEO Paul Bolno sold 90,474 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.00, for a total value of $1,357,110.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 268,585 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,028,775. This represents a 25.20 % 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 Chris Francis sold 36,000 shares of Wave Life Sciences stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.00, for a total value of $576,000.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 436,544 shares of company stock valued at $6,271,569 in the last quarter. 29.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wave Life Sciences Trading Down 4.3 % Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades WVE has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Wave Life Sciences from $11.00 to $22.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Leerink Partners lifted their price objective on Wave Life Sciences from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 16th. HC Wainwright reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $22.00 target price on shares of Wave Life Sciences in a report on Wednesday, November 13th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Wave Life Sciences from $7.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Wave Life Sciences from $17.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $22.22. Read Our Latest Report on Wave Life Sciences About Wave Life Sciences ( Free Report ) Wave Life Sciences Ltd., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, designs, develops, and commercializes ribonucleic acid (RNA) medicines through PRISM, a discovery and drug development platform. The company's RNA medicines platform, PRISM, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation, and deep insights into human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and prevalent disorders. Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Wave Life Sciences Best Stocks Under $5.00 Buffett Takes the Bait; Berkshire Buys More Oxy in December Why Invest in 5G? How to Invest in 5G Stocks Top 3 ETFs to Hedge Against Inflation in 2025 TSX Venture Exchange (Formerly Canadian Venture Exchange) These 3 Chip Stock Kings Are Still Buys for 2025 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WVE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wave Life Sciences Ltd. ( NASDAQ:WVE – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Wave Life Sciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wave Life Sciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Is ‘Glicked’ the new ‘Barbenheimer’? ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ collide in theaters

Wildpeak targets ute vehicle users By Hazel Nicole Carreon FALKEN TIRE has expanded its Wildpeak lineup with the introduction of the Wildpeak A/T4W and Wildpeak R/T01. Distributed locally by JM Far East, Inc., Falken tires are positioned as having the values of durability, traction, and versatility. The Wildpeak line is a popular choice among SUV and truck owners who demand a reliable and capable tire for any road condition. According to JM Far East, Inc. President Winston Manabat, Falken is focusing on the expansion of the Wildpeak line as the utility category is “growing and becoming so strategically important.” “As of the end of December 2023, in the Philippines, almost 430,000 vehicle units were sold and 75% of them are from the (utility) category,” the executive said in his speech at the launch event of the new Wildpeak tires. The new Wildpeak A/T4W is an all-terrain tire that seamlessly blends on-road comfort with off-road capability. Leveraging the proven capabilities of the A/T3W, the new tire has an advanced tread design that features aggressive shoulder blocks for additional traction on rugged terrain. The tire’s optimized tread pattern and all-new rubber compound also ensure a quiet and smooth ride on highways. A total of 45 sizes are now available, with 16 additional sizes to be introduced in 2025, and 18 more to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2026. Among the vehicle models that can be fitted with the Wildpeak A/T4W are the Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, and Toyota Hilux. Meanwhile, the Wildpeak R/T01 is ideal for those seeking ultimate off-road performance as the rugged terrain tire is engineered to conquer challenging trails and withstand harsh conditions. Its hybrid terrain tread pattern and reinforced sidewalls provide superior durability and puncture resistance. Being a POR (professional off-road) model, the Wildpeak R/T01 is considered a “special use” tire with larger, more widely spaced blocks that help optimize traction and keep the vehicle in motion on difficult terrain. The Wildpeak R/T01 is available in nine sizes, ranging from 16 to 20 inches. Among its popular vehicle fitments are the Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu D-Max. With the introduction of the Wildpeak A/T4W and Wildpeak R/T01, Falken is seen as continuing to push the boundaries of tire technology. These new tires are a testament to the company’s dedication to providing drivers with high-performance and reliable tires. The two new Wildpeak tires are now available at authorized Falken Tire retailers nationwide and online. Both tire models come with a five-year warranty.The crackdown was carried out by officers from the Pendle Neighbourhood Policing Team and Task Force as part of “anti-social behaviour awareness week.” The actions were carried out over the weekend, starting from Friday November 22. A Colne and West Craven Police spokesperson said: “The results are as follows: “One drink driving arrest - The driver decided he would drive hanging out the window as his windscreen was iced up, the driver was arrested for driving over the prescribed drink drive limit. “After blowing over the legal limit in custody, he was charged and released on bail to attend court early next year. “One S59 warnings for anti-social driving “One vehicle seized specifically for anti-social driving, after having received a S59 warning prior. “One vehicle seized S165 no insurance - after failing to stop for police , the vehicle was found a short distance away and dragged off to the compound. “Five Traffic Offence Reports issued for a variety of motoring offences. ALSO READ: Every flood warning still in place across Lancashire in aftermath of Storm Bert ALSO READ: Dramatic pictures as fire service investigate cause of vehicle blaze “Two producers issued, requiring the drivers of vehicles to provide their document or expect their points in the post. “Twelve stop searches under the Misuse of Drugs Act as a result of stopping a range of vehicles. “Of these, 10 searches yielded results including possession of drugs, for which passengers were dealt with appropriately. “Needless to say, had drivers failed their roadside drug wipes they too would have been arrested.”LOS ANGELES (AP) — Londynn Jones scored 15 points, making all five of her 3-pointers, and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday, ending the Gamecocks’ overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories. The Gamecocks (5-1) lost for the first time since April 2023, when Caitlin Clark and Iowa beat them in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.

Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed. The government arrests 3 TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The UAE’s Interior Ministry said authorities arrested three perpetrators involved in the killing of Zvi Kogan. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Somalia says 24 people have died after 2 boats capsized in the Indian Ocean MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government says 24 people died after two boats capsized off the Madagascar coast in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said 46 people were rescued. Most of the passengers were young Somalis, and their intended destination remains unclear. Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. A delegation led by the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia is scheduled to travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to help survivors. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Sunday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast last week, killing two people. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani security officer says police have arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in Islamabad to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year. But he remains popular and his party says the cases against him are politically motivated. Police Sunday arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters in eastern Punjab province, a Khan stronghold. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off the capital with shipping containers. It also suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” Uruguay's once-dull election has become a dead heat in the presidential runoff MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans are heading to the polls to choose their next president. In Sunday's election, the candidates of the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition are locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote. It's a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou — overseeing the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation.By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.

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How do you remove children from the harms of social media? Politically the answer appears simple in Australia, but practically the solution could be far more difficult. The government's plan to ban children under 16 from social media platforms - including X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram - is politically popular. The opposition party says it would have done the same after winning elections if the government had not moved first. The leaders of all eight Australian states and mainland territories have unanimously backed the plan, although Tasmania would have preferred the threshold set at 14. But a vocal assortment of experts in the fields of technology and child welfare have responded with alarm. More than 140 experts signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning the 16-year age limit as "too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively." Leo Puglisi, a 17-year-old Melbourne student who founded online streaming service 6 News Australia at the age of 11, laments that lawmakers lack the perspective young people have gained by growing up in the digital age. "With respect to the government and prime minister, they didn't grow up in the social media age. What a lot of people fail to understand here is that, like it or not, social media is a part of people's daily lives," Puglisi said. "It's part of their communities, work, entertainment. It's where they watch content - young people aren't listening to the radio, reading newspapers or watching free-to-air TV - and so it can't be ignored. This ban is just kicking the can down the road." Puglisi has been applauded for his work online. He was a finalist in his home state Victoria's nomination for the Young Australian of the Year award. His nomination bid credits his platform with "fostering a new generation of informed, critical thinkers." Cyber safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, however, knows from personal tragedy just how dangerous social media can be for children. Her 15-year-old daughter Carly Ryan was murdered in 2007 in South Australia state by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online. She was the first person in Australia to be killed by an online predator. "Kids are being exposed to harmful pornography, misinformation, body image issues, sextortion, online predators, bullying. There are so many different dangers and kids just don't have the skills or life experience to manage those well," Ryan said. "The result is we're losing our kids. Not only what happened to Carly but also an alarming rise in young suicides." Ryan is part of a group advising the government on a national strategy to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in Australia. She wholeheartedly supports setting the social media age limit at 16. "We're not going to get this perfect," she said. "We have to make sure there are mechanisms in place to deal with an anxious generation of children addicted to social media." A major concern for social media users of all ages is the legislation's potential privacy implications. Age estimation technology has proved ineffective, so digital identification appears to be the most likely option for assuring a user is at least 16. Tama Leaver, professor of internet studies at Curtin University, fears the government will make platforms hold users' identification data. The government has already said the onus will be on platforms to ensure everyone meets the age limit. "The worst possible outcome would be social media platforms being the identity arbiter," Leaver said. "They would hold identity documents, which would be absolutely terrible because they have a fairly poor track record on personal data." Platforms will have a year once the legislation has become law to work out how the ban can be implemented. Ryan said privacy concerns should not stand in the way of removing children from social media. "What is the cost if we don't? If we don't put the safety of our children ahead of profit and privacy?" she asked. ASSOCIATED PRESS

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