The heavy burden of proof
Kosovo arrested several suspects Saturday after an explosion at a key canal feeding two of its main power plants, while neighbouring Serbia rejected accusations of staging the blast. The explosion Friday near the town of Zubin Potok, which sits in an ethnic Serb-dominated area in Kosovo's troubled north, damaged a canal that supplies water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. As security forces swarmed the area around the canal, whose concrete walls were left with a gaping hole gushing water, Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the site and announced authorities had arrested several people. Law enforcement "carried out searches" and "collected testimony and evidence, and the criminals and terrorists will have to face justice and the law," he said. The arrests follow a security meeting late Friday, when Kurti pointed the finger at Serbia. "The attack was carried out by professionals. We believe it comes from gangs directed by Serbia," he told a press conference, without providing evidence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hit back Saturday, denying the "irresponsible" and "baseless accusations". "Such unfounded claims are aimed to tarnish Serbia's reputation, as well as to undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," he said in a statement to AFP. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had earlier suggested on X that the Kosovar "regime" could itself be behind the blast, calling for an international investigation. The main political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, Serb List, also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". AFP journalists at the scene saw water leaking heavily from one side of the reinforced canal, which runs from the Serb-majority north of Kosovo to the capital, Pristina. However, electricity supplies to consumers were running smoothly on Saturday morning, with authorities having found an alternative method to cool the plants, said Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Repair work was ongoing, authorities said, while Kurti confirmed workers had managed to restore water flows to 25 percent capacity. The European Union denounced the explosion as a "terrorist attack". "It is a despicable act of sabotage on Kosovo's critical civilian infrastructure, which provides drinking water for considerable part of Kosovo's population and is a vital component of Kosovo's energy system," the bloc's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a statement. The United States, France and Turkey joined the international condemnation of the attack. "We call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation in the region," Turkey's foreign ministry said. The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission for Kosovo likewise called for restraint. "It is important that facts are established and that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice," it said in a statement. The force is providing security in the surrounding area and has offered logistical, explosives removal and engineering support to the Kosovo authorities, it added. Animosity between ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the end of the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge. Kurti's government has for months sought to dismantle a parallel system of social services and political offices backed by Belgrade to serve Kosovo's Serbs. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday denounced "the act of sabotage on the critical water supply infrastructure in the Iber-Lepenc Canal" in comments on X, calling it "a serious crime that endangers the lives of Kosovo's citizens and undermines the process of normalizing relations in our region." Friday's attack came after a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including the hurling of hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station earlier this week. Kosovo is due to hold parliamentary elections on February 9. ih/ach/giv/jhb/sbkNovember 30 - While Cleveland heads into Sunday's home matchup with the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics sporting the league's best record, the Cavaliers also come in trying to avoid a three-game losing streak. Cleveland had its 15-game winning streak to open the season interrupted in its last meeting with Boston, a 120-117 win for the host Celtics on Nov. 19. The Cavaliers recovered with a pair of wins over Toronto and New Orleans, but fell in meetings with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday and Friday. A 20-point, 22-assist game from Trae Young on Wednesday powered Atlanta to 135 points, the most Cleveland has allowed this season. The Hawks followed the 11-point win in Cleveland with a 16-point rout of the Cavaliers on Friday in Atlanta. The consecutive losses dropped Cleveland to 17-3, tied with Boston for the NBA's best mark in the loss column. The Cavaliers maintain the league's best winning percentage at .850 but are trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak since last April. "Our defensive engagement was good," Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said, contrasting Friday's loss with Wednesday's. "(But) our offense kind of tanked. It's hard to be mad at our guys. They've been phenomenal offensively." The Cavaliers ranked No. 20 in points per game a season ago with 112.6. In their first season under Atkinson as coach, they lead the NBA in scoring at 122.4. Friday's contest was Cleveland's lowest-scoring output of the season despite 29 points from Darius Garland and 24 from Evan Mobley. Donovan Mitchell managed less than half of his season average (24.1) with 12, while 14.5-point per game scorer Jarrett Allen managed just six. The Cavaliers look to get back on track against a Celtics team riding a seven-game winning streak. The Celtics, averaging the NBA's second-highest point-per-game output at 121.2, have bookended their streak with 139 points in a rout at Brooklyn on Nov. 13 and 138 points in a win Friday at Chicago. Jayson Tatum scored 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Boston's nine-point defeat of the Bulls. He is averaging 28.7 points, which includes his 33-point performance in the win over the Cavaliers. In Friday's NBA Cup win, Boston also got a huge performance off the bench from Payton Pritchard. His 29 points (19 in the fourth quarter) came on the heels of a 20-point outing in the Celtics' 126-94 home blowout of the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. "The key to him is he finds different ways to impact games. He's grown as a player over the course of his career," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said of Pritchard. "He's a complete player. I know it sounds weird, but he's one of the best three-level scorers I've seen for his size, and he's just a high-level competitor." At 15.6 points per game, Pritchard is one of five Celtics averaging more than 12 points along with Tatum, Jaylen Brown (24.7), Derrick White (18.3) and Jrue Holiday (12.1). --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabForeign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is not escalating a war of words with Mexico, after the Mexican president criticized Canada’s culture and its framing of border issues. “I fundamentally believe that many conversations, when it comes to diplomacy, are always better when they remain private,” Joly said Monday during a teleconference from Brussels. The rift between the two trading partners started with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s declaration that he plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all goods from both countries unless they stop the flow of migrants and illegal drugs into the U.S. Several federal and provincial officials in Canada responded by saying the issues at the Canadian border are vastly different from the Mexican border. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for example, has voiced concerns that the level of Chinese investment in Mexico goes against the economic-security goals of Ottawa and Washington. Some premiers have called on Canada to negotiate a trade deal with Washington independent from Mexico, ahead of the 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, which replaced NAFTA during Trump’s last tenure in the White House. In a Monday press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico “must be respected, especially by its trading partners.” She also noted that Canada has “a very serious problem with fentanyl consumption,” more than Mexico, and possibly as a result of some drug-decriminalization measures. “We are not going to fall for a provocation of which country is better,” she said, chalking some criticism from Canada up to political pandering. “Mexico should not be used as part of (Canadian) electoral campaigns,” she said. Yet Sheinbaum also said Canada “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has,” saying her country has civilizations dating back thousands of years. Asked to respond, Joly said she is reaching out to Mexican officials after speaking with the U.S., including about the “very important trade agreement” that includes all three countries. “I know there has been many conversations in Canada about how we can work together and how we can, at the same time, protect our interests,” she said. “We have a positive relationship with Mexico, and we need to work with the country; that’s definitely my goal.” Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, said tensions between both countries played out in the NAFTA renegotiation, when there was limited communication between Ottawa and Mexico City. “The Canada-Mexico relationship has always been the weakest part of the triangle of North America,” he said. “There was a lot of feeling during the (CUSMA) negotiations that Mexico was willing to go it alone, and that Canada particularly toward the end was on the outside looking in, and had to fight its way back to the table.” He said Washington would rather have a trade pact with all three countries so it can limit the time and attention it needs on continental issues. “The U.S. is probably the most trilateral of all three countries,” he said, with a caveat. “I think Donald Trump looks at this going into 2026 and says, ‘Great, divide and conquer.’” Sands added that Sheinbaum and her predecessor have implemented nationalist policies that have been at odds with Washington. “The Mexican government has been moving in a direction which is antithetical to the North American project (through) nationalizing parts of the economy, by reversing energy reforms, by doing deals with the cartels. (They are) sometimes working co-operatively with the Americans in the borders, and sometimes not.” Sheinbaum indicated a week ago that she would be writing a letter to Trudeau. That has not been made public, although she did release a letter she had sent to Trump.
PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE: FSK) today announced that it has completed its previously announced offering of an additional $100 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% notes due 2030 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Notes due 2030 that FSK issued on November 20, 2024 , increasing the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the series to $700 million . BofA Securities, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., and Truist Securities, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for this offering. FSK intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, including potentially repaying outstanding indebtedness under credit facilities and certain notes. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About FS KKR Capital Corp. FSK is a leading publicly traded business development company (BDC) focused on providing customized credit solutions to private middle market U.S. companies. FSK seeks to invest primarily in the senior secured debt and, to a lesser extent, the subordinated debt of private middle market companies. FSK is advised by FS/KKR Advisor, LLC. About FS/KKR Advisor, LLC FS/KKR Advisor, LLC (FS/KKR) is a partnership between FS Investments and KKR Credit that serves as the investment adviser to FSK and other business development companies. FS Investments is a global alternative asset manager dedicated to delivering superior performance and innovative investment and capital solutions. The firm manages over $83 billion in assets for a wide range of clients, including institutional investors, financial professionals and individual investors. FS Investments provides access to a broad suite of alternative asset classes and strategies through its best-in-class investment teams and partners. With its diversified platform and flexible capital solutions, the firm is a valued partner to general partners, asset owners and portfolio companies. FS Investments is grounded in its high-performance culture and guided by its commitment to building value for its clients, investing in its colleagues and giving back to its communities. The firm has more than 500 employees across offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia and is headquartered in Philadelphia . KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. Forward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosure Notice This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to future events or future performance or operations of FSK. Words such as "believes," "expects," "projects," and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the economy, risks associated with possible disruption in FSK's operations or the economy generally due to terrorism, geo-political risks, natural disasters or pandemics such as COVID-19, future changes in laws or regulations and conditions in FSK's operating area and the price at which shares of FSK's common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Some of these factors are enumerated in the filings FSK makes with the SEC. FSK undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Information: Investor Relations Contact Anna Kleinhenn Anna.Kleinhenn@fsinvestments.com FS Investments Media Team Melanie Hemmert Melanie.Hemmert@fsinvestments.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fsk-completes-public-offering-of-100-million-6-125-unsecured-notes-due-2030--302339667.html SOURCE FS InvestmentsNone
Political unrest undermines South Korea’s currency, stock marketDemocratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Friday that bomb threats targeted Democratic lawmakers days after President-elect Donald Trump’s team announced similar threats of violence against Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Three days after it was revealed that Trump’s nominees and their families endured bomb threats and “swatting” incidents, Jeffries claimed Thanksgiving Day threats of pipe bombs in mailboxes to “swatting” incidents against Democratic lawmakers, their familiars and law enforcement were “signed with ‘MAGA,’” according to a statement from his office. Hakeem Jeffries: Bomb threats made against Dem lawmakers ‘unacceptable’ https://t.co/D4jioiK56d — POLITICO (@politico) November 29, 2024 “Yesterday, during Thanksgiving celebrations, several Democratic Members of Congress, their families and law enforcement officials were targeted with violent threats. These incidents ranged from detailed threats of a pipe bomb placed in mailboxes to swatting, all signed with ‘MAGA’ at the conclusion of the message,” the statement read. Jeffries’ office confirmed to Politico that nearly all House and Senate Democrats from Connecticut, including Sen. Chris Murphy and Reps. Jim Hines, Joe Courtney, John Larson, Jahana Hayes and Rosa DeLauro, were targeted by Thursday’s threats. The House minority leader said all recipients were unharmed and that no devices were located. “America is a democracy. Threats of violence against elected officials are unacceptable, unconscionable and have no place in a civilized society. All perpetrators of political violence directed at any party must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” his statement said. Jeffries thanked law enforcement and assured that the Sergeant at Arms was working to safeguard members of Congress from menacing threats. “House Democrats will not be deterred or intimidated from serving the people by violent threats. We have been in close communication with the Sergeant at Arms office and it is imperative that Congress provide maximum protection for all Members and their families moving forward,” the statement said. DeLauro spoke out against the bomb threat she received Thursday on social media and thanked law enforcement, who found no bomb at her home. Today, I received a bomb threat similar to my colleagues in the Connecticut congressional delegation. The New Haven Police Department’s bomb squad has responded & determined no bomb was present at our home. I am thankful for their swift response & relieved no one was harmed. — Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) November 28, 2024 “Today, I received a bomb threat similar to my colleagues in the Connecticut congressional delegation. The New Haven Police Department’s bomb squad has responded & determined no bomb was present at our home. I am thankful for their swift response & relieved no one was harmed,” the congresswoman wrote on X. Tuesday evening, incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that several of Trump’s cabinet picks and their families were safe after they were targeted by threats of violence, including bomb threats and “swatting” incidents. (RELATED: Trump Cabinet Picks Face Threats Of Violence, Spokeswoman Said) pic.twitter.com/TvSRIg6R7G — Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) November 27, 2024 “President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” she wrote. Leavitt did not name the recipients of the threats against Trump’s Cabinet nominees, but some, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator nominee Lee Zeldin and U.N. Ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik , revealed themselves on social media Wednesday. Matt Gaetz , Trump’s former pick for attorney general, also faced bomb threats, according to Punchbowl. In a statement, the FBI says it “is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of... — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) November 27, 2024 Jeffries did not mention threats against Trump’s Cabinet picks in his office’s statement Friday. The Daily Caller reached out to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms for comment but did not hear back.
Aries : Today, you are fully in charge of your work; you can easily check tasks off your list and meet deadlines. This will make you feel empowered to work, and you will be able to focus. But it’s important to be cautious of your words – don’t complicate things, just say what you need to say. To manage your conflict with others, especially colleagues or clients, be clear and avoid assuming things about them. Taurus : Come out and socialise. It is a great time to make new professional contacts. Your charm and confidence will impress people around you. However, be prepared for some stiff competition on the way. Rather than be threatened by their presence, let them challenge you. It is a good day to work with the employers and exchange ideas because your associates may help you find solutions. Don’t underestimate the wisdom of people around you. Gemini : The next few days will be filled with increased energy in your interactions with coworkers and colleagues. Other people are likely to have a strong negative reaction to your ideas. It’s a good chance to work on the vision and solidify your arguments. In workplace relations, do not lose your temper when you disagree. Remaining open-minded and taking time to listen to the other side and then respond politely. Cancer : Today, you may be experiencing stress as your work schedule looks like a mountain that you have to climb. And when you think you are done for the day, more work might come your way. As this may seem daunting, the stars encourage you to consider the list and go step by step. The important thing is to try to stay as organised as possible and work consistently. Take short breaks in between to avoid getting drained out. Leo : This day requires a realistic approach to dealing with issues. Emotional outbursts will act against your best interest in handling work-related matters. Instead, get perspective and then start thinking of a plan that can be both methodical and adaptive. If one works in a team, then he or she will need to collaborate and listen to other people’s opinions. Do not let your feelings take control over you; stay calm to handle the subtle politics. Virgo : Do not worry—your rational attitude is your strongest asset today. No matter what kind of difficulties are put up before you, believe in your capacity to reason and solve them. Each challenge is a lesson and an invitation to be better. Your analytical abilities will be particularly noticed when solving assignments and conflicts at work. For job seekers, use your heads to develop the best applications or answer those tricky questions during an interview. Libra : Your leadership skills will shine brighter today. This will come out in how you naturally lead the projects and the people you’re in charge of. Your organisational skills and your ability to focus will determine your outcome, making you popular and well-appreciated by your colleagues and seniors. Go with this momentum, because everything you are doing is preparing the way for things to go right. Scorpio : The stars indicate that you could provoke unnecessary tension in your relations with the people you work with if you keep having rough or cold contact with them. This will enable leaders to be more assertive while being kind to their subordinates so that they can work together. Having their messages or interview responses written in warmer tones will be preferred for job seekers. This is a good chance to improve your interpersonal skills. Sagittarius : Today, you may experience higher competition in your work sphere. These feelings are not bad because they can be the driving force to go that extra mile. Rather than leaning on these comparisons to bring you down, use this energy to improve yourself and hone your strengths. When directly competing, it is important to know sometimes it is more beneficial to work together than against each other. Capricorn : The right plan will assist you in avoiding feeling overwhelmed and making work more manageable today. It is better to remain specific and focus on those critical tasks. However, there can be some unexpected outcomes. In the case when something does not go the way it was expected, then think rationally. Step back, reflect on your strategies, and find ways to solve problems rationally. Aquarius : Today, you may have a tendency to take risks or immerse yourself in new initiatives at the deep end. However, the stars are warning us against this enthusiasm. It is important to assess the situation and to take a somewhat cautious approach before making the final choices. This may prove disastrous, especially when one is strategising in a hurry. Let your thinking mind reign on your free-spirited heart. Be moderate in your approach. Pisces : You’re good to go, and all your efforts are starting to reap rewards. If you continue to do the right things in the right way, your progress in your career will remain constant. This is a day to keep to your normal schedule, work efficiently, and go with your gut. Your consistent method is gaining trust and opening the door for the next step. Patience and commitment to the chosen approach will take you further. ---------------------- Neeraj Dhankher (Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi) Email: info@astrozindagi.in , neeraj@astrozindagi.in Url: www.astrozindagi.in Contact: Noida: +919910094779
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Andy Carroll and his ex-wife, Billi Mucklow , couldn’t have had very different weeks, according to recent pictures of the former couple. The footballer, 35, and the Towie star, 36, announced their divorce in October after secretly parting ways earlier this year, ending an 11-year relationship. They share five children, two of whom are Andy's from a previous relationship, but Billi has always treated them as her own. Now, they seem to be navigating a co-parenting arrangement. This was evident on Monday night when Andy was seen kissing his new love interest, Lou Teasdale , at Vas J Morgan's British Fashion Awards afterparty, while Billi posted a photo from the hospital with their nine year old son, Arlo. Last year, Billi shared on Instagram that Arlo had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She posted pictures of the youngster, telling followers "there is so much to learn" and that the family would be experiencing "lots of life changes," but they had received "amazing support" from their healthcare team. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body can't produce enough insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Following Arlo's diagnosis, he was fitted with a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device to help manage his condition, reports the Mirror . But in August, Billi revealed that he switched to a Dexcom G7. His latest hospital visit was just a routine check-up with their specialist. Alongside an adorable snap of Arlo getting his blood pressure checked at the doctor's office, she penned: "Next stop hospital with my boy seeing his diabetes specialist for his review! We are doing good baby, 75% in range, but lots of changes made to get his pump working more efficiently." It came just hours after Andy was spotted getting flirty with Lou at the Monday night London event. In pictures from the occasion, the new couple were seen all loved up as Andy placed an affectionate kiss on the celebrity makeup artist’s head as they got their picture taken. Andy and Lou went public with their relationship back in October at a Halloween party where the footballer channelled NFL star Travis Kelce and Lou seemed to be dressed as Taylor Swift. They later flaunted their love on Instagram with pictures of them locking lips. . It’s unclear when the pair began seeing each other; however, Billi is reportedly aware of the new romance. Andy and Billi’s relationship appeared to be doomed from the beginning of their marriage after the footballer was photographed with multiple women in his bed during his Dubai stag do. Following the release of these boozy snaps on social media, Billi ditched her £200,000 engagement ring and moved out of their Essex home. However, she decided to forgive Andy when Taylor Jane Wilkey, one of the women in the photo, assured her that nothing happened. Not long after, the ex-couple faced another hurdle when Andy declared bankruptcy after signing to play in Bordeaux, France. This was a significant step down for the star, as he went from playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League to a team in the fourth division of the French league. Andy was forced to declare bankruptcy after taking a massive pay cut. While at Newcastle, he reportedly earned £23,000 a week and had £10million in savings. Now, he is estimated to be earning just £750 a week in France.The European Union urgently needs a Russia strategy. A strategy document that articulates a strong vision and comes with the proper policy tools and financial commitments would serve as a signal to the United States that Europe understands the threat posed by Putin’s Russia at a critical moment in the relationship between Washington, Brussels, and Moscow. The impending Trump presidency will shape EU foreign policy and redefine transatlantic ties. A second Trump administration will surely demand more from Europe, including on issues such as Europe’s defense spending and its support for Ukraine. Even as defense budgets across Europe rise and the EU takes a more forward-leaning role on support for Ukraine, the goalposts Washington sets will move. This challenge could create positive opportunities for the EU if it produces a European strategy on Russia. Currently, the bloc does not have a formal strategy toward Russia. This is inconsistent, as the EU has adopted official strategies for relations with a range of countries and regions including China , the Indo-Pacific , and Central Asia , with a strategy for the Middle East under development. But it’s more than inconsistent. Failure to draft a Russia strategy suggests a lack of seriousness and undermines the credibility of the bloc’s geopolitical ambitions. As the world watches the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold, UkraineAlert delivers the best Atlantic Council expert insight and analysis on Ukraine twice a week directly to your inbox. The most serious obstacle to an EU Russia strategy has traditionally been the inability of member states to agree on interests and priorities. Countries closest to Russia and those with recent histories of oppression by Moscow have a more acute threat perception, whereas others in Europe often still see Russia as an essentially regional issue. However, Russia’s challenge to Europe is clearly no longer regional. It quite literally surrounds and permeates the EU. Russia has unleashed the largest land war on the continent since World War II. To undercut sanctions, it has built up a “shadow fleet” of oil tankers that threaten to create a major environmental disaster in European waters. From the Western Balkans to the Sahel, Russia competes for influence, generates disinformation, and seeks to destabilize governments. Elsewhere in Africa, Moscow deploys mercenaries to support friendly governments and to secure access to resources. Inside the EU, intelligence agencies say Putin is actively engaged in efforts to undermine the political stability of member states. Russia is accused of spreading disinformation, stirring up political conflict, and even resorting to acts of sabotage, such as the recent attempt to plant explosive devices on European airplanes flying to the United States. Faced with increasing Russian threats and growing US demands, the EU needs a unified approach toward Moscow. In response, the new European Commission should prioritize the development of an EU Russia strategy aimed at creating a more forward-thinking, ambitious, and cohesive European approach. This would have multiple benefits. First, it would provide a forum for EU members to jointly develop a vision for future policy toward Russia. Second, a strategy would allow the EU to draw a coherent picture of how Moscow’s various tactics are interlinked and threaten the entire bloc. Additionally, the EU would be better positioned for stronger enforcement. Articulating a longer-term Russia policy would lock in the hard-won gains of recent years, helping to ensure that countries like Germany do not return to problematic practices like relying on Russian energy. The EU now has the right personnel in place to lead this effort. The new High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas, an ardent Russia hawk, could push for an ambitious and forward-leaning posture toward Russia. Other senior officials including defense commissioner Andreas Kubilius could lend credibility to the strategy, which would naturally be prepared in close coordination with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, herself a strong supporter of Ukraine. Any would-be Russia strategy must start with Ukraine. Support for Kyiv is the central element of Europe’s policy toward Russia, so a successful strategy must plot a path forward on key Ukraine-related issues including financial support, defense industrial cooperation, reconstruction, and eventual Ukrainian EU membership. Similarly, any strategy should also keep in mind areas like the Western Balkans, Moldova, and the South Caucasus, with a view to helping counter Russian influence. Economic statecraft should be a key focus. The EU has gradually adopted a more ambitious sanctions policy toward Moscow, but enforcement is lacking. For example, the EU will need to develop a realistic plan to deal with Russia’s shadow fleet and to ensure that Russian energy isn’t entering the EU via backdoor routes. In order to be effective, an EU Russia strategy must not fall victim to the tendency to water down or take an overly narrow view of the task at hand. Previous EU foreign policy documents, for example the Strategic Compass , offered a raft of initiatives and legislative projects but struggled to project a grander vision. Drafting a Russia strategy will be a politically difficult but worthwhile endeavor. It will be challenging to achieve an EU strategy that is sufficiently ambitious and necessarily forward-leaning while maintaining support from all member states, especially as certain countries have a record of obstructing EU support for Ukraine. Nevertheless, it would represent a crucial step toward addressing today’s changing realities. In addition to boosting the EU’s capacity as a geopolitical actor, a comprehensive and practical Russia strategy would signal to the United States that Europe is stepping up and would help strengthen transatlantic ties. The incoming US administration should support the EU in developing its Russia strategy. An EU that is ready to lead efforts to counter Russia, both inside Europe and throughout the wider region, is exactly what the transatlantic relationship needs. Ian Cameron is a young global professional with the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center. James Batchik is an associate director with the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center. Further reading The views expressed in UkraineAlert are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Atlantic Council, its staff, or its supporters.
Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde's health deteriorates, team of doctors monitoring Caretaker CM — What we know
NEW YORK, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gainey McKenna & Egleston announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Customers Bancorp, Inc. ("Customers Bancorp" or the "Company") CUBI securities between March 1, 2024 and August 8, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for the Company's investors under the federal securities laws. The Complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Customers Bancorp had inadequate anti-money laundering practices; and (2) as a result, Customers Bancorp was not in compliance with its legal obligations, which subjected Customers Bancorp to heightened regulatory risk. The Complaint further alleges that on April 12, 2024, Customers Bancorp announced that CFO, defendant Carla A. Leibold, had been fired for "cause" for violating Customers Bancorp policy. On this news, the price of Customers Bancorp stock fell nearly 5%. Customers Bancorp subsequently disclosed that Ms. Leibold's termination was a "separation by mutual agreement." Then, on August 8, 2024, during market hours, the Federal Reserve issued a press release entitled "Federal Reserve Board issues enforcement action with Customers Bancorp, Inc. and Customers Bank," which attached a written agreement between Customers Bancorp and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia stating that the Federal Reserve "identified significant deficiencies related to the Bank's risk management practices and compliance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to anti-money laundering (‘AML'), including the Bank Secrecy Act." On this news, the price of Customers Bancorp stock fell more than 15%. Finally, the Complaint alleges that on August 8, 2024, after market hours, Customers Bancorp disclosed a consent order by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Banking and Securities, Bureau of Bank Supervision, relating "principally to aspects of compliance risk management, including risk management practices governing digital asset-related services; oversight by the Board of Directors of Customers Bancorp and the Bank; compliance with anti-money laundering regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act; and compliance with the regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control," and further stating that "these deficiencies give the Bureau reason to believe that the Bank had engaged in unsafe or unsound banking practices relating to BSA/AML Requirements." On this news, the price of Customers Bancorp stock fell further. Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares of Customers Bancorp should contact the Firm prior to the January 31, 2025 lead plaintiff motion deadline. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Thomas J. McKenna, Esq. or Gregory M. Egleston, Esq. of Gainey McKenna & Egleston at (212) 983-1300, or via e-mail at tjmckenna@gme-law.com or gegleston@gme-law.com . Please visit our website at http://www.gme-law.com for more information about the firm. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Mumbai: In a major step into the murder probe of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, the Mumbai Police declared gangster Anmol Bishnoi a ‘wanted accused’ and slapped the draconian Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against 26 others involved in the killing, here on Saturday. Police officials said that while 26 accused including three sharp shooters have been arrested, they are on the lookout for three other fugitives including Anmol Bishnoi – the younger brother of jailed mafia leader Lawrence Bishnoi. “The provisions of the MCOCA, 1999, have been invoked in this (Siddique murder) case. The investigation is ongoing. As of now, 26 accused have been arrested, while three accused – Anmol Bishnoi, Shubham Rameshwar Lonkar, and Zishan Mohammad Akhtar — are wanted accused in the case,” police officials said on Saturday. Anmol Bishnoi, 26, who was holed up in the US, was detained last fortnight and later arrested by the local US law enforcers. He is currently cooling his heels in custody at the Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa State. On October 12, Siddique (66), a senior NCP leader and ex-Congress Minister having close links with Bollywood and business circles, was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra East, at the height of the Dassehra Day celebrations, sparking a national political furore. Initially, the Nirmal Nagar Police Station registered an FIR on the incident, and subsequently, the Crime Branch-CID also entered the investigations given the political implications ahead of the just-concluded November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Probing the case, the Mumbai Police have arrested 26 accused in an ongoing operation spread across several districts of the state and other states. The police had filed the case under BNS Sections 103(1), 109, 125, and 3(5), read with Sections 3, 5, 25, and 27 of the Arms Act and Sections 37 and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act (MPA), and now additional charges under MCOCA. The police have so far seized five weapons and 64 bullets from the accused, who include three sharpshooters, assigned the task of eliminating Siddique or his son Zeeshan B. Siddique. Lawyers explained that confessions made before the police under MCOCA are admissible as evidence in the court and it is difficult to retract them or secure bail. Besides the Siddique killing, the Bishnois have also been allegedly involved in the multiple death threats to Bollywood legend Salim Khan and his actor son Salman Khan, besides a firing carried out at their Bandra home on April 14.
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NonePhoto: Contributed War Up Close will be at Okanagan College on Dec. 2 and UBC Okanagan on Dec. 3, 2024. See the impacts of the war in Ukraine from street level at a travelling exhibit stopping in Kelowna next week. A virtual reality exhibition called ‘ War Up Close’ will be at Okanagan College on Monday, Dec. 2 and at UBC Okanagan on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The unique digital display combines an interactive platform documenting the realities of war and a VR exhibition that has made stops in 20 countries, including at post-secondary institutions in the United States and Europe. It allows participants to walk through the streets of Ukraine virtually. “Thanks to VR technology, visitors can "step into" the heart of the events. The exhibition has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, offering a powerful understanding of Ukraine's struggle,” said Mykola Omelchenko, co-founder of the exhibition and panoramic photographer. Artworks by children from the Little Hope Gallery project in Lviv will also be on display. The program offers art therapy to children who are refugees from their homes in war-torn parts of the country. War Up Close is free of charge thanks to funding from the charity Sustain Ukraine. It runs 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the Atrium at Okanagan College and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the upper foyer of the Charles E. Fipke Building at UBCO. Photo: Contributed
Cleveland/Bradley Public Library brimming with fun, informative programs for adults
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Retailers coax Black Friday shoppers into stores with big discounts and giveaways NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers in the U.S. have used giveaways and bigger-than expected discounts to reward shoppers who ventured out on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving still reigns for now as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it’s lost some luster. Analysts reported seeing the biggest crowds at stores that offered real savings. They say many shoppers are being cautious with their discretionary spending despite the easing of inflation. Stores are even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there are five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Online sales figures from Thanksgiving Day gave retailers a reason to remain hopeful for a lucrative end to the year. Southwest Airlines says it is ending cabin service earlier to reduce chance of injury Southwest Airlines is ending its cabin service earlier starting next month. Beginning on Dec. 4, a company spokesperson says flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet. The company says it's making the changes to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries. For passengers, that means they will need to return their seats to an upright position or do other pre-landing procedures earlier than before. While turbulence-related fatalities are quite rare, injuries have piled up over the years. Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — While retailers hope to go big this holiday season, customers may notice that the catalogs arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were scaled down to save on postage and paper. Some gift purveyors are sending out postcards. In a sign of the times, the American Catalog Mailers Association rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, industry experts say catalogs help retailers cut through the noise and still hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs. Canada's Trudeau says he had an 'excellent conversation' with Trump in Florida after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he had an “excellent conversation” with Donald Trump in Florida after the president-elect’s threat to impose significant tariffs on two of America’s leading trade partners raised alarms in Ottawa and Mexico City. It's unclear, as Trudeau headed back to Canada on Saturday, whether the conversation had alleviated Trump’s concerns. Trump’s transition team hasn't responded to questions about what the leaders had discussed at their dinner Friday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club. The Republican president-elect has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he said was the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders. Trump and Republicans in Congress eye an ambitious 100-day agenda, starting with tax cuts WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans swept to power on Election Day and now control the House, the Senate and the White House, with plans for an ambitious 100-day agenda come January. Their to-do list includes extending tax breaks, cutting social programs, building the border wall to stop immigration and rolling back President Joe Biden's green energy policies. Atop that list is a plan to renew some $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts that were a signature domestic achievement of Republican Donald Trump’s first term as president. It's an issue that may define his return to the White House. The ruble's in a slump. For the Kremlin, that's a two-edged sword Russia’s ruble is sagging against other currencies, complicating the Kremlin’s efforts to keep consumer inflation under control with one hand even as it overheats the economy with spending on the war against Ukraine with the other. Over time a weaker ruble could mean higher prices for imports from China, Russia's main trade partner these days. President Vladimir Putin says things are under control. One wild card is sanctions against a key Russian bank that have disrupted foreign trade payments. If Russia finds a workaround for that, the ruble could regain some of its recent losses. Iceland votes for a new parliament after political disagreements force an early election REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Icelanders are electing a new parliament after disagreements over immigration, energy policy and the economy forced Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson to pull the plug on his coalition government and call early elections. This will be Iceland’s sixth general election since the 2008 financial crisis devastated the economy of the North Atlantic island nation and ushered in a new era of political instability. Opinion polls suggest the country may be in for another upheaval, with support for the three governing parties plunging. Benediktsson, who was named prime minister in April following the resignation of his predecessor, struggled to hold together the unlikely coalition of his conservative Independence Party with the centrist Progressive Party and the Left-Green Movement. Massachusetts lawmakers push for an effort to ban all tobacco sales over time BOSTON (AP) — A handful of Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping to persuade their colleagues to support a proposal that would make the state the first to adopt a ban meant to eliminate the use of tobacco products over time. Other locations have weighed similar “generational tobacco bans.” The bans phase out the use of tobacco products based not just on a person's age but on birth year. Lawmakers plan to file the proposal next year. If approved, the bill would set a date and ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after that date forever, eventually banning all sales. Vietnam approves $67 billion high-speed railway project between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam has approved the construction of a high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north with the financial capital of Ho Chi Minh in the south. It is expected to cost $67 billion and will stretch 1,541 kilometers (957 miles). The new train is expected to travel at speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph), reducing the journey from the current 30 hours to just five hours. The decision was taken by Vietnam’s National Assembly on Saturday. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and Vietnam hopes that the first trains will start operating by 2035. But the country has been beleaguered by delays to its previous infrastructure projects. Inflation rose to 2.3% in Europe. That won't stop the central bank from cutting interest rates FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Inflation in the 20 countries that use the euro currency rose in November — but that likely won’t stop the European Central Bank from cutting interest rates as the prospect of new U.S. tariffs from the incoming Trump administration adds to the gloom over weak growth. The European Union’s harmonized index of consumer prices rose 2.3 percent, up from 2.0% in October, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat. However, worries about growth mean the Dec. 12 ECB meeting is not about whether to cut rates, but by how much. Market buzz says there could be a larger than usual half-point cut in the benchmark rate, currently 3.25%.DENVER — Jerry Jeudy is a boo-liever in Broncos Country again. “I loved it,” the Cleveland Browns’ WR1 and 2020 Broncos first-round draft pick said late Monday of the catcalls from Denver fans while his old team pulled out a wacky, wild 41-32 win. “They only boo you when they know that something’s gonna happen, and there’s something great in you.” He was great, wasn’t he? Jeudy finally played his way into the Broncos record book on Monday Night Football. He finally lived up to all that hype. Only it happened while he was wearing another uniform, repping another team, another town. His 235 receiving yards broke Terrell Owens’ 16-year-old NFL record for the most by a league wideout against his former franchise. Dude was motivated. Laser-focused. Consistent. On a national stage, the former Alabama wideout was everything Broncos Country wanted him to be. And wasn’t. Not here, anyway. The Broncos version of Jeudy, the one traded away this past March, drifted like a leaf in the breeze. One step forward. Three steps back. Flashes of absolute game-changing, field-flipping brilliance. Followed by weeks of anonymity, peppered by pouting and social-media finger-pointing. “A lot of fans didn’t really rock with him because they don’t feel like he was productive here,” his old teammate, Broncos safety P.J. Locke, told me after the game. “But, hey, it is what it is. He’s balling out now, you know, and that (Broncos time is) in his past.” Jeudy always had that dawg in him, as the cool kids say. He just needed a match for the pilot light. A reason to give a darn. The guy who almost single-handedly sent Sean Payton circling another parking lot came out on the Browns’ first play of the evening — a 44-yard jaunt over the middle — and never left. The Broncos hit Week 13 averaging 2.6 “explosion” passes (20 yards or more) allowed per game. Jeudy had three of them, all by himself, by the first three minutes of the fourth quarter — a groove helped by no Riley Moss and all that hate. “Did you hear the boos every time you touched the ball?” a reporter asked Jeudy. “I heard it,” he replied. “That was a lot of boos, huh? It sounded like it. What that means is, a lot of catches, too.” Nine, to be exact. Revenge was a dish served lukewarm, though, as Broncos Country got treated to the full Jameis Winston Experience — 497 passing yards, four touchdowns and three picks, two of which were returned for scores. “I’m mad it was against us,” Locke, Jeudy’s teammate from 2020-23, offered with a smile of grudging admiration. “(Jerry isn’t) supposed to do that against us. I’m happy for him, though ... he’s coming back to the Broncos and I know he had a little chip on his shoulder.” Yeah, just a little. No. 3 — he’ll always be No. 10 to us — told longtime Cleveland reporter Tony Grossi last week that he wanted to “go back up there and whip their (backsides). “... (Four) years is a long time to be patient. I’m not going to say they didn’t get me the ball for (four) years. Some years I had a few drops, like my rookie year. Other years there were a whole bunch of circumstances I can’t control.” We could argue revisionist history all day, but what would be the point? Broncos Country was promised CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson and got inconsistent football instead. As my colleague Troy Renck pointed out over the weekend, Payton vs. Jeudy was one divorce that looks as if it’s turned into a win for both sides. Jeudy’s putting together a Pro Bowl season with Winston, the QB partner he’s always wanted. The Broncos are putting together their first playoff team since 2015. “I don’t have (anything) towards them,” Jeudy said of his old squad. “At the end of the day, it is football. It’s competitive, everybody will have (that) juice when it’s time to play. Everybody wants to be great. Everybody wants to win. “That’s it, that’s all. No beef, nothing. Everybody just wants the best thing for themselves.” Locke, meanwhile, spoke of Jeudy late Monday with the affection of a long-lost brother, and old college roommate. “He actually had to block me on a play and I stepped on his toe,” the Broncos defender recalled with a laugh. Locke then leaned over to the bag between us and showed me one of his shoes, pointing to the cleats on the bottom. “Because I’ve got these seven-stud cleats, and that hurts,” he continued. “So my feet (got) set into the ground, and I stepped on him with my toe.” “Dang, bigfoot,” Jeudy told Locke. “Yeah, don’t be trying to block me,” Locke replied. “Go run some routes, bro. You ain’t supposed to be blocking. You ain’t (some) crack blocker, man.” Locke laughed again. “But I also told him I’m super-proud of him,” the Broncos safety said. “I’m happy for him. He’s showing it ... and I think he’s one of the best receivers in the league.” He’s still one of the best when it comes to hamming it up. Jeudy’s celebration and Nestea plunge into the end zone after toasting Levi Wallace in the third quarter was pure theater. Jeudy sensed the moment and put it in a camel clutch, egging on the Empower Field faithful like a veteran pro wrestling heel. “I heard the boos,” Jeudy explained, “and I wanted to hear it louder.” They only boo when they care. When it hurts. When something great finally comes out, but for somebody else. “Hey, man, look, (those) emotions were running high,” Locke said. “It’s Monday Night Football, he was balling.” He was breaking records. Just ... not the way John Elway drew it up four years ago. “God had a different plan for him,” Locke said. “He still did it. Just in a different way.” ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at denverpost.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Need a high-end gift this holiday season? Anyone with longer locks will appreciate the Dyson Airwrap. It went viral for a reason, and now’s the perfect time to buy. The Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday sales are bringing the biggest discounts of the year to this wildly capable hair styling tool across multiple retailers. You can score up to $100 off a new Airwrap, and if you go for a refurbished option, the savings are even greater. The Dyson Airwrap skips heat damage, opting for the Coanda effect and precise temperature control to dry and style your hair. This technology prevents frizz, flyaways, and breakage for a sleek, fresh-from-the-salon look while curling, straightening, or smoothing your tresses. Depending on hair type, Dyson offers several models of Airwrap with different attachments that work best. Right now, the special edition Airwrap for curly to coily hair that features a diffuser tool and the special edition Airwrap for long straight to wavy hair with its detangling comb have the most widespread discounts. Each comes with six additional accessories to ensure all styling needs are met and features a sleek strawberry bronze and blush pink finish. Save $100 on These Special Edition Dyson Airwraps for Curly and Long Hair Enjoy Deep Discounts on Refurbished Dyson Airwraps The Dyson Airwrap is a splurge. So, if you’re looking for even deeper discounts on the hair styling tool you may want to consider a refurbished option. The thought of purchasing a “used” Airwrap is a little nerve-racking but rest assured that each product is quality tested before heading out for resale and comes with a one-year warranty. Walmart and Best Buy both offer excellent refurbished options. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryers are $100 off too! Keep looking out for more Amazon Black Friday deals and Best Buy Black Friday savings on Dyson hair products. Sales should continue through the weekend until Cyber Monday. However, the discounts will probably remain the same. So, be sure to buy items before they sell out. Danielle is a freelance writer for IGN based in Los Angeles who spends most of her time updating buying guides. When she’s not writing, you’ll probably find her obsessively reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, or scouring the web for anything related to music history.Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler Elected Chair of Semiconductor Industry Association