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#337jili 'We need to do better': Canadian leaders respond to Trump's border concerns

CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 23 points as Central Arkansas beat UNC Asheville 92-83 in double overtime on Sunday. Jordan Morris made two free throws with one second left for UNC Asheville (2-3) to force overtime tied at 71. Fletcher Abee's 3-pointer with 33 seconds left in the first overtime tied the game at 79 and led to the second extra period. Michael Evbagharu's layup gave Central Arkansas (2-4) the lead in the second OT and Cato followed with a 3-pointer as the Bears outscored the Bulldogs 21-12 to pull out the victory. Cato added nine rebounds for the Bears. Layne Taylor totaled 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Brayden Fagbemi pitched in with 19 points, seven assists and five steals. The Bulldogs (2-3) were led by Fletcher Abee, who recorded 27 points. UNC Asheville also got 17 points from Josh Banks. Toyaz Solomon finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .By Naveen Athrappully Contributing Writer The vast majority of U.S. citizens are concerned about their future Social Security receipts, with such anxieties popping up amid the projected depletion of Social Security funds over the next decade. “More than half (53%) of Americans who haven’t retired yet say they expect to rely on Social Security benefits to pay their necessary expenses once they retire,” said a Nov. 21 survey from Bankrate. “But at the same time, 72% of all Americans are concerned that promised Social Security benefits won’t be paid to them upon retirement age.” Generation-wise, baby boomers and Gen X are most anxious, with more than 80% worried about the issue. Among millennials and Gen Z, this number was at 60% to 70%. The Social Security system’s main trust fund is calculated to deplete by 2035, according to a May report from the Social Security board of trustees. When funds are depleted, the Social Security administration will only be able to pay beneficiaries 83% of the promised benefits. Another September report from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget expects Social Security funds to deplete by 2033, following which beneficiaries would be forced to take a larger, 21%, reduction in monthly receipts. For a typical single-income couple, this indicates an annual benefit reduction of $12,400, with dual income couples losing $16,500. And by 2098, the 21% reduction is projected to rise to 31%. With millions of people relying on Social Security to pay for daily necessities, a more than one-fifth reduction in monthly receipts could be broadly devastating. “There’s a vast divide between Americans’ concern about the looming Social Security funding shortfall and the lack of serious and thorough conversation among elected officials about what to do about it,” said Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick. “The result is that the American public’s financial well-being is not being tended to.” To complicate matters, many Americans believe they are already behind on their retirement savings, he said. Hamrick advised Americans to undertake proactive steps to ensure their retirement plans. Tackling Social Security Solvency Crisis A recent study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute showed how critical Social Security payments are for retired Americans. About 80% of respondents said Social Security was an income source accounting for roughly half of their total earnings. The majority of retirees have only three months’ worth of savings put aside for emergencies. As such, any reduction in income puts them in financial distress. Facing a looming crisis in Social Security, lawmakers have proposed measures to tackle the issue, which vary depending on the political party. Last February, a group of Democrat lawmakers and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, introduced the Social Security Expansion Act. The bill proposed requiring wealthy American households to “pay their fair share of taxes,” which it claimed could keep Social Security solvent for an additional 75 years. Specifically, it suggested imposing a 12.4% tax on business and investment income of wealthy people. On the other hand, President-elect Donald Trump proposed during his campaign that he would cut down taxes for Social Security payments received by seniors. In August, a group of lawmakers introduced the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act aimed at strengthening the financial state of Social Security and ensuring that “seniors continue to benefit from the programs they have paid into throughout their lives,” said an Aug. 2 statement. The bill proposes doing away with the generic measure of inflation to decide annual cost-of-living adjustments to Social Security payments. Instead, it wants to use an inflation gauge that specifically measures the living costs incurred by senior citizens. The act also seeks to phase out limits on social security contributions. “Social Security provides crucial support to millions of kupuna [elders], people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities in Hawaii and across the country,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii. “By lifting the cap on Social Security contributions, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act will help ensure Social Security remains solvent for decades to come.”

A delegation from Mitsubishi Corporation, led by Vice President of the Digital Solutions Division Takuya Hirakuri paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Brunei (CCC) on November 22 at its office in the capital. The visitors, including Takuya Hirakuri and Country Representative for Mitsubishi Corporation Brunei Liaison Office Tadashi Hara were welcomed by CCC President Lim Han Chiong and the executive committee. Lim Han Chiong highlighted healthcare as a key concern in the 21st Century, noting, “Healthcare is the cornerstone of thriving communities. Innovation in this sector not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the efficiency of healthcare providers.” He also recognised Japan’s leadership in medical tourism, noting the country’s integration of advanced technology into healthcare, which has contributed to one of the highest life expectancies globally. The meeting included a presentation of Mitsubishi’s new ‘High-Quality Medical Services for Overseas Wealthy Class’ initiative, which targets medical tourism. – Lyna MohamadSTILLWATER, Oklahoma: What do Blackpink’s Rose, a coastal town in Perak and a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur have in common? All of them were recently at the centre of disinformation in Malaysia, no thanks to the viral nature of social media. In August, after a tourist fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur and disappeared, false claims surfaced on social media alleging that the city was built atop a “giant cave” and was unsafe for residents and visitors. A viral TikTok post even tagged this content as “AI-generated news for entertainment” accompanied by manipulated images of the skyline perched over a cavernous void. Despite geologists and the authorities dismissing these claims as impossible, such misinformation fuelled public fear and distrust, allowing sensationalism to overshadow factual reporting. In October, Malaysia’s Health Ministry refuted reports that it had called Rose's and Bruno Mars’ song APT “morally harmful”, saying that statements attributed to the ministry by K-pop entertainment sites were not issued by the government. And just earlier this month, the Manjung Municipal Council in Perak filed a police report over allegations in a viral video on TikTok that claimed it cruelly captured, shot and dumped stray dogs into a rubbish pit. DISINFORMATION AN ENTRENCHED ISSUE Disinformation is an entrenched issue in Malaysia, and polarisation remains a major concern. This is especially rampant during elections. For instance, during Malaysia’s 2022 general election, politically motivated falsehoods spread rapidly through social media platforms, stirring up ethnic and religious tensions. TikTok became a hotbed for ethnoreligious hate speech, with incendiary narratives targeting different communities. Alongside this, the usual rhetoric and recycled misinformation about “ghost voting” (undi hantu) circulated without any solid evidence, while baseless allegations of corruption against various politicians flooded social media platforms. A study by Kuala Lumpur-based non-profit Centre for Independent Journalism found that, during the peak of the election period between October and November 2022, the number of social media posts containing hate speech nearly doubled, with over 99,000 unique messages compared to 55,000 in the previous period. This shows how disinformation thrives on social media, often in local languages, making it harder to combat false narratives. The spread of misleading narratives during election campaigns can create an environment where facts are increasingly obscured by racially charged rhetoric. This damages both the integrity of elections and social cohesion, making it more challenging for the public to discern what is true amidst a sea of manipulated information. PLAYING CATCH-UP Malaysia’s regulatory framework has struggled to keep pace with the rapid spread and sheer volume of digital disinformation. While the country has a rather robust set of laws to address false information, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the newly introduced Cyber Security Act 2024, the enforcement of these laws has historically been slow. Legal cases often take years to process, while false information can spread on social media in a matter of minutes and hours, which makes these laws less effective in real-time. Another problem is that state affiliated fact-checking agencies like Sebenarnya.my and MyCheck have explicitly stated that they do not verify political content, which leaves a big gap in countering political disinformation. While independent fact-checking groups attempt to bridge this gap during politically charged events like elections, the sheer volume of information across multiple languages and dialects makes it extremely difficult for fact-checkers to keep up, leaving these efforts insufficient and often ineffective. This is particularly concerning in the fast-paced context of elections. During these times, rapid verification of political claims is crucial to ensure informed public discourse. Yet, without real-time fact-checking and given the sluggish pace of legal enforcement, false political narratives can spread unchecked, shaping public perception and potentially swaying electoral outcomes. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive media and information literacy training across different age groups exacerbates the problem. Without the skills to critically evaluate digital content, individuals are more vulnerable to disinformation, especially as AI-driven technologies continue to advance. With deep fakes and manipulated images becoming increasingly sophisticated, the risk grows that public trust in the media and democratic institutions will erode because people won’t know how to distinguish between real and fabricated content. THE DEBATE OVER PLATFORM RESPONSIBILITY As Malaysia navigates the challenges of disinformation, the spotlight has turned onto the role social media platforms play in moderating user-generated content. Platforms like Telegram and X have adopted a “hands-off” approach to content moderation, prioritising free speech over the control of harmful content. This laissez-faire attitude allows disinformation, hate speech and divisive narratives to flourish. In a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society like Malaysia, where sensitive issues can easily escalate, this hands-off approach can fuel social instability and exacerbate polarisation. To address this, Malaysia will from January 2025 require social media companies with at least eight million users in the country to apply for an annual operating licence . Conversely, there is also perceived bias in content moderation by tech giants like Meta. In August, Meta faced criticism in Malaysia when it removed posts by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing condolences over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, labelling the content as problematic. While Anwar’s posts were later restored, the incident highlights broader concerns about selective censorship, particularly when politically or religiously charged content is involved. In a society like Malaysia’s, where discussions around race, religion and politics are both common and sensitive, the perception of bias in content moderation can deepen societal divisions. On one hand, the removal of certain politically significant content could stifle one side of the conversation, further polarising public opinion. On the other hand, platforms like Telegram and X that allow inflammatory content to go unchecked could fan the flames of ethnic or religious discord, leading to greater instability. BALANCING DISINFORMATION MITIGATION AND FREE EXPRESSION The ongoing debate over social media accountability in Malaysia is particularly urgent, as disinformation and hate speech pose serious threats to public trust and social cohesion. Social media platforms wield significant power in shaping narratives, yet their inconsistent approaches to content moderation - whether hands-off or perceived as biased - complicate efforts to maintain balanced public discourse. The preservation of free expression is essential in any democracy, but so is protecting society from the damaging effects of disinformation. Striking the right balance between these two goals remains a critical challenge for Malaysia as it contends with the complex dynamics of its diverse society. Dr Nuurrianti Jalli is Visiting Fellow at the Media, Technology and Society Programme at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and Assistant Professor at the School of Media and Strategic Communications at Oklahoma State University.

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After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoffQuest Partners LLC decreased its position in Pfizer Inc. ( NYSE:PFE – Free Report ) by 6.2% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 19,096 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock after selling 1,266 shares during the period. Quest Partners LLC’s holdings in Pfizer were worth $553,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Swiss National Bank increased its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.6% in the third quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 16,819,712 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock valued at $486,762,000 after acquiring an additional 100,900 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 80.9% in the third quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 508,256 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock worth $14,709,000 after purchasing an additional 227,349 shares during the last quarter. Addison Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Pfizer by 394.2% during the 3rd quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 52,238 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock valued at $1,512,000 after purchasing an additional 41,668 shares during the period. KBC Group NV raised its position in Pfizer by 26.0% during the 3rd quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 3,105,433 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock valued at $89,872,000 after purchasing an additional 639,985 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. raised its position in Pfizer by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 13,118,764 shares of the biopharmaceutical company’s stock valued at $379,657,000 after purchasing an additional 544,418 shares during the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Pfizer Trading Up 2.0 % Pfizer stock opened at $25.63 on Friday. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $24.48 and a 12 month high of $31.54. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The business’s fifty day simple moving average is $28.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $28.57. The company has a market capitalization of $145.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 0.67. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, November 8th will be given a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 8th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.55%. Pfizer’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 227.03%. Insider Buying and Selling at Pfizer In other Pfizer news, Director Scott Gottlieb acquired 1,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 30th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $28.24 per share, with a total value of $28,240.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $282,400. This represents a 11.11 % increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Company insiders own 0.06% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PFE has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Daiwa America raised Pfizer from a “moderate buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. StockNews.com cut shares of Pfizer from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Pfizer to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $32.92. View Our Latest Stock Analysis 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. Read More 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 .

Anas Sarwar may have won politician of the year, but real test lies ahead for Scots Labour

It was not too long ago that the concept of virtual reality was only possible in the worlds of sci-fi novels, cartoons, and cinematic Hollywood blockbusters. But with the commercial release of the now discontinued Oculus Rift back in 2013 , this cutting-edge innovation has significantly altered the way the general public interacts with technology. As virtual reality technology has grown over the last decade, so has the market. Increasing competition and a wider availability of products — from refined headsets and gear attachments to quality immersive video game content — has made it an ideal time to buy a VR headset . However, with so many options, it can be confusing to figure out which headset is the best choice for you, especially if you're new to the world of virtual reality. Some factors to consider are the quality of the components, the level of comfortability, and compatibility with your other consoles. New buyers also need to consider what they'll be using the headsets for, as some equipment is better suited for immersive video gaming than others. Moreover, these headsets can cost quite a pretty penny, as seen earlier this year with the launch of the Vision Pro, Apple's high-end augmented reality headset , with a whopping $3,499 price tag. Bearing all of these considerations in mind, we've taken the liberty of compiling a list of some of the worst virtual reality headsets to avoid, especially if you are just starting to use this technology. The HTC Vive XR Elite is unique in that it incorporates an overall deconstructed, modular framework that allows for greater versatility as more components can be incorporated based on use. However, the headset's design also tends to veer on the smaller side, which means that it might be difficult to make necessary adjustments, particularly with the more compact eyewear. In contrast, the controllers are disproportionally larger in size and can feel somewhat clunky to use. Moreover, there's not much of a selection available in VIVEPORT, the headset's designated library of apps, and there have been some technical glitches that arise when trying to download games from the Steam platform. If one of your goals is to use the virtual reality headset and system to enhance your fitness experience, the XR Elite may prove a little too high maintenance given that the cloth covering for the user's face easily collects sweat and can be difficult to clean. When HTC first launched the Vive XR Elite commercially, it was sold at a retail price of $1,100, which then fell to $900 by late summer of 2024. Since then the price has yet again fallen to $799, and while that appears moderately priced, customers also have to factor in the potential expenses of other components like the $200 add-on fee for face and eye tracking or the Vive Ultimate Tracker Package (for a full-body experience), which costs an additional $499. In contrast to the HTC Vive XR Elite's larger price tag, the Destek virtual reality headset is significantly more affordable. The cost ranges form $34.99 to $49.99, depending on whether or not other components like the Bluetooth remote are included. This headset provides a simplified, bare-bones approach to virtual reality by enhancing the gadgetry already available from your smart phone. The headset balances durability with a light-weight feel and provides quality picture with anti-blue-light-coated HD lenses. While this may seem like the ideal platform for a beginner to explore immersive technology, the Destek does run into some frequently occurring issues. The smart phone itself is prone to easily getting dislodged because there is no mechanism installed to keep it locked in beyond a layer of foam padding. Users have had trouble seeing the screen clearly because the lens will sometimes fog up due to the lack of adequate insulation. A thin, wobbly rubber covering is used to support the bridge of the nose and block out light; however, after using the headset for some time, it becomes very itchy and uncomfortable. Users have also complained about frequent connectivity issues with the Bluetooth remote depending on whether the smart phone operates on iOS or Android technology. Another option beginners might consider is starting out with an older model so that they get a headset known for quality given the brand name, but at a cheaper price. Yet that may not always be the case, as seen with the recently terminated Meta Quest 2, formerly the Oculus Quest 2. Back in September 2024, Meta announced that it would be discontinuing both the Quest 2 and Quest Pro in order to make room for the launch of the new Quest 3. Consumers can still purchase the Quest 2, which is available on Amazon with prices ranging from $329.00 to $443.44 depending on the packaging and components included. However, that price range is still higher than when the 64GB base version of the Quest 2 dropped earlier this year to $199. There's also a high likelihood that beginners using discontinued headsets will have more difficulty running up-to-date apps and add-ons as well as finding replacement parts if the headset breaks down. The Quest 2 also has its own set of technical issues that may be frustrating for new virtual reality participants. For one, the material used in constructing the foam facial interface needed to be recalled when users experienced rashes and irritation on their skin. Frequent user problems such as the headset overheating, fickle tracking system, and rapidly depleting battery lifespans that can get as short as 90 minutes. Moreover, with the discontinuation of the Quest 2, users will have to bear in mind that a clock is winding down until support for the platform is removed. This was the case with the original Quest 1, when Meta announced it would receive its last update on April 30, 2024.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:27 p.m. ESTIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire to end nearly 14 months of fighting JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Josef Federman, Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue, The Associated Press Nov 26, 2024 1:08 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message President Joe Biden speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. ___ Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, contributed. ___ Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Josef Federman, Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff Nov 26, 2024 12:50 PM After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff Nov 26, 2024 12:44 PM A fugitive wanted in the US for a pair of bombings is arrested in the UK after 20 years on the run Nov 26, 2024 12:33 PM Featured Flyer

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What does it mean to police a community as diverse as Squamish? How can law enforcement better connect with Indigenous communities to build trust and respect? For Const. Kelly Dean of the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit (IFNU), these questions aren’t just theoretical—they’re at the heart of his everyday work. “In my role, it’s different,” Dean shared during an interview with The Squamish Chief. “I have a heart connection with the community. When something happens, it’s not just a call—I see how it impacts families. The community feels like my extended family.” Established in 2008, the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit (IFNU) serves the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, covering Squamish, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. Based on the North Shore, IFNU is “focused on providing enhanced policing services that are culturally sensitive and responsive to the First Nations,” reads the website. IFNU collaborates with First Nations leadership and departments to address community concerns, provide investigative support, and ensure emergency responses align with the priorities outlined in the Integrated First Nations Policing Agreement. “We’re not frontline officers responding to every 911 call,” Dean said. “Our job is to connect general duty officers with the community in culturally appropriate ways.” According to a 2022 Statistics Canada report, one in five Indigenous individuals expressed a lack of confidence in the police, a much higher proportion than non-Indigenous populations. Another 2020/2021 Statistics Canada report also revealed that Indigenous people are incarcerated at a rate 8.4 times higher than non-Indigenous individuals. According to Dean, one way the IFNU fosters trust is through intentional, trauma-aware practices. “We don’t wear the RCMP’s yellow-striped pants or grey shirts,” Dean said. “Our vehicles don’t display the standard buffalo logo, which can be a trauma trigger. Instead, we use artwork by Squamish artist Rick Harry. These choices are intentional—to reduce trauma and build trust.” Dean’s traditional name, s7íl̓chi (pronounced eeth-chay), given to him in a ceremony in 2021, reflects this responsibility. Meaning “The Bowman,” it symbolizes a protector in the canoe. “It’s a lot of responsibility,” he said. “I don’t take for granted the amount of trust the community places in me, and I reciprocate that trust.” Dean’s role extends across almost 6,700 square kilometres, including reserve lands and unoccupied areas like fee-simple properties being returned to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). A ‘fee simple property’ is a real estate property that is owned outright, without limitations, and with the highest form of ownership. The growing popularity of the Squamish Valley for recreation has added new complexities to his work. “During COVID, there was a massive influx of people coming to the valley,” he said. “We’ve had to enforce Section 58 closures to prevent people from driving or camping in sensitive areas like riverbeds. These measures aim to protect salmon habitats and address declining fish stocks—issues that are deeply important to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation.” Increased recreation has also brought safety risks. “A few years ago, a wildfire started because someone was target shooting on Crown land,” Dean said. “Sparks from their rounds ignited a fire. Now, certain areas have signs prohibiting target shooting, though hunting is still permitted.” Dean acknowledged the challenges of managing such a vast territory alone. “It’s a lot for one person, and adding another officer to support the community would make a significant difference,” he said. For Dean, policing is about more than enforcement—it’s about connection. “I spend time with Elders, drum and sing, and even learn the language,” he said. “I’m a self-taught language learner, with guidance from mentors. It’s a challenge, but it’s so rewarding.” Dean also participates in community initiatives like youth camps and canoe journeys. He’s part of the Sema7maka canoe family and supports Tribal Journeys by ensuring safety on the water. “One of the best things I can do is support culture and language,” he said. “It’s fulfilling for me and helps grow understanding within the broader community.” Dean’s mixed ancestry—Danish, Scottish, and Blackfoot—gives him a personal perspective on Indigenous identity. “My grandmother married a non-Nation person, and her Indian status was revoked,” he said. “Status is 100% a colonial construct. Indigenous identity is about much more than a government-issued number.” Dean highlighted the complexities of the Indian Act, which can impact community members’ rights to hunting, fishing, and other cultural practices. “Conservation officers might determine someone’s rights based on their status number,” he said. “But you can have direct Sḵwx̱wú7mesh lineage and still not meet the government’s criteria for status. It’s a complicated and often unfair system.” Dean also works to address misconceptions about law enforcement, particularly those influenced by United States media. “In the U.S., every police show seems to involve a shootout,” he said. “That’s just not reflective of the Canadian perspective. Most officers I’ve worked with are compassionate people who genuinely want to help.” Dean emphasized the importance of highlighting the positive work being done by Indigenous officers across B.C. “Every year, I meet with around 160 Indigenous police officers to discuss these issues,” he said. “It’s important to share what’s working and support one another.” While the IFNU has made strides in fostering trust and cultural understanding, Dean sees room for growth. “We’re involved in initiatives that go beyond traditional policing to benefit the community,” he said. “But with the size of our territory and the volume of calls we handle, adding another officer would make a significant difference, especially for recreation-related issues.” “I don’t do anything performatively—it’s the opposite,” he said. “I’m passionate about showing that being a police officer doesn’t have to be authoritarian.” Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.