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Massive computer hack at American insurance company Anthem Inc.
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Brexit Tensions Resurface Amid Starmer's Push for Youth Mobility Scheme
Keir Starmer is venturing into politically dangerous territory as he prepares to travel to Brussels. His mission includes the contentious possibility of reviving a youth mobility scheme between the United Kingdom and the European Union. This initiative would allow young citizens to live and work across borders for limited periods, an idea that has sharply divided opinion within the U.K. For some, this represents a long-awaited reconciliation after years of strained relations under the previous Tory government. However, to others, particularly staunch Brexiteers, this deal would signify a betrayal of the hard-won Brexit. Starmer is acutely aware of the potential backlash, not only from the Conservative Party and Euroskeptics like Nigel Farage but also from within his own government. His interior minister, Yvette Cooper, has expressed concerns that such a scheme could inflate migration figures, a point of contention for those looking to curb immigration. "The home secretary believes such a plan would 'not be compatible' with pledges to bring down net migration," an insider noted, casting doubt on the feasibility of pushing this forward. Despite these internal divisions, there is also significant support for the youth mobility scheme. Many Labour ministers and EU officials argue that the temporary nature of the program should exempt it from migration statistics. In fact, similar schemes exist between the U.K. and countries like Australia and Japan, with minimal impact on net migration. Nonetheless, the Home Office remains firm in its stance. "They would still be part of the U.K. labor market," a source stated, indicating that even temporary participants would affect the overall numbers. Cooper, unwilling to engage in what some see as "fiddling the books," remains a formidable opponent. Starmer's upcoming discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are part of a broader reset of relations between the U.K. and the EU. While the youth mobility scheme is a focal point, Brussels is also eager to address lingering trade barriers, including mutual recognition of professional qualifications. An EU diplomat emphasized the importance of the youth mobility scheme as part of a broader negotiation strategy: "Brussels sees youth mobility as a 'quid pro quo' for the U.K.'s 'aggressive interests.'" As Starmer navigates these sensitive discussions, he has so far been non-committal on the issue. His usual response is that there are "no plans" to join such a scheme, yet the door remains open. Starmer has already ruled out a return to the customs union or single market, but the youth mobility proposal may offer more flexibility, particularly given the political and economic advantages it could bring. Support for the scheme is also growing within Starmer’s own party. Labour backbenchers, regional mayors like Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham, and the Labour Movement for Europe have all spoken out in favor. Burnham commented, "I think the public can see the way in which Brexit is closing down opportunities for young people." Many argue that reversing some of Brexit’s harsher consequences would benefit not only young people but also British businesses struggling with staff shortages. Yet Starmer must weigh these potential benefits against the political risks. Nigel Farage’s Reform U.K. party is poised to capitalize on any perception that Starmer is undermining Brexit. Moreover, even within Labour, there are factions that remain cautious about reopening any discussions with the EU that might be interpreted as backtracking on the 2016 referendum results. The European Union, for its part, is willing to compromise. A senior EU diplomat suggested that the bloc is considering ways to make the youth mobility scheme more palatable to the U.K., including caps on numbers or tighter eligibility criteria. “Once the talks are on I think everything can be discussed,” the diplomat said, signaling flexibility from Brussels. While Starmer’s upcoming meeting with von der Leyen is seen as the starting point for a reset in relations, real negotiations won’t begin until 2024 when the new European Commission takes office. Ultimately, the political tightrope Starmer walks in these negotiations reflects the complexity of post-Brexit relations. Whether or not a youth mobility deal is struck, Starmer’s efforts to redefine the U.K.’s relationship with Europe will inevitably stir debate on all sides. Based on a report from: Politico 2024-10-03 -
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Trump Challenges Special Counsel's Evidence Release in Election Case
Former President Donald Trump's legal team is contesting special counsel Jack Smith's plan to publicly release evidence in the federal case regarding Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Smith submitted a 180-page sealed brief last week, detailing the government's evidence against Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges, including those connected to the January 6 Capitol riot. Smith proposed making public various forms of evidence, including "grand jury transcripts, interview reports, or material obtained through sealed search warrants." To protect witnesses, especially those potentially vulnerable to intimidation by Trump's supporters, Smith suggested that some information, such as their names, be redacted. However, on Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers, John Lauro and Todd Blanche, responded by filing a memo opposing Smith’s motion. They argued that the special counsel's plan is politically motivated, intended to damage Trump’s presidential campaign. The memo stated that Smith's efforts aim to release what they called a "politically motivated manifesto" in the crucial period leading up to the 2024 election, as early voting begins. "The true motivation driving the efforts by the Special Counsel's Office to disseminate witness statements that they previously sought to lock down is as obvious as it is inappropriate," Trump's filing reads. They went on to assert that Smith's timing is intended to influence the election, writing, "The Office wants their politically motivated manifesto to be public...in the final weeks of the 2024 Presidential election." Smith, however, quickly rebutted these claims, maintaining that his motion is legally justified and not politically motivated. He denied the Trump team's accusation, stating, "The defendant's opposition includes his standard and unsupported refrain that the Government's position is motivated by improper political considerations." Smith further argued that the accusations are baseless, noting that similar claims were dismissed by the court earlier in the case. "That allegation is false—just as it was false when the Court denied the defendant's motion to dismiss the case on grounds of selective and vindictive prosecution." Smith emphasized that his office is focused solely on upholding the law, writing, "The Special Counsel's mandate is to uphold the law. It has no role or interest in partisan politics and has faithfully executed its prosecutorial duties in this case." Smith's filing comes after a restructured indictment of Trump, filed last month in response to a Supreme Court ruling regarding presidential immunity during certain official acts. Despite the legal proceedings, Trump has maintained that he is the target of a "witch hunt," claiming that Smith's prosecution is an attempt to interfere with his 2024 presidential campaign. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case, has signaled that she may not be swayed by arguments based on Trump's political status. In a previous hearing on the case schedule, Chutkan dismissed concerns about the election calendar, stating that she was "not concerned with the electoral schedule," a stance she took during an exchange with Trump's legal team. As the case progresses, tensions remain high between the Trump team and the special counsel’s office, with both sides accusing each other of politicizing the legal process. Based on a report from: Newsweek 2024-10-03 -
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Shanghai Mall Stabbing Leaves a Community in Shock & Fear
On Monday night, just before closing time, terror swept through the Ludu International Shopping Plaza in Shanghai’s Songjiang district. A man, identified by police as 37-year-old Lin, embarked on a stabbing spree that left three people dead and injured 18 others. Witnesses describe the panic and chaos that unfolded in the mall as Lin moved through the shopping center, attacking strangers seemingly at random. One young shopkeeper, who was not at work during the attack, said she is now afraid to return. “It’s like a movie. You can’t believe there’d be something so terrifying right next to you,” she said, pointing to the increased security presence near her store. She admitted feeling somewhat reassured by the extra officers, but her fear persists. Many of her colleagues who were present during the attack have yet to return to work, too shaken by the experience. “None of them came to work today. They say they don’t dare to return,” she shared. Another woman, who runs a small electronics stall, narrowly escaped the attack by mere minutes. “When I heard about it later, I was so scared I couldn’t sleep,” she said, visibly shaken by the thought of how close she had come to danger. This stabbing is the latest in a series of knife attacks in China, prompting ongoing discussions about societal pressures and mental health issues. Some have raised concerns that economic difficulties may be contributing to increased violence, although no justification can explain such acts of terror. Others suggest these attacks are copycat crimes, as similar incidents have occurred throughout the country in recent years. The Chinese government, however, appears eager to minimize public discussion of the attack. Social media platforms are tightly censoring images and conversations about the incident. Despite this, some people have expressed relief that China’s strict gun control laws prevent more deadly outcomes, contrasting the situation with countries like the United States, where access to firearms could result in even more fatalities in such scenarios. Still, the attempt to suppress public discourse surrounding the attack reveals the discomfort this incident has caused among authorities. Many witnesses and store staff were barred from speaking to the media, with managers intervening during interviews. For those like Zheng, the quick return to normalcy at the mall feels surreal. “I can only feel sorrow for the victims,” he said, reflecting on the lack of public recognition for the lives lost. Based on a report from: BBC | X 2024-10-03 -
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The Rebirth of Canada's Right: How Pierre Poilievre is Shaking Up Canadian Politics
Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has been dominating polls, with his Conservative Party now outpacing the ruling Liberals. Poilievre, who became leader of the Conservative Party two years ago, is being hailed as a rising star not only in Canada but also abroad. His popularity marks a significant turnaround for Canada’s political right, which has undergone a dramatic revival after years in the wilderness. When Poilievre’s campaign team first began, they had concerns about how they would gather support across Canada, a vast and sparsely populated country where political rallies can be difficult to pull off. "Within about a week we realized that wasn’t going to be a problem," says Ginny Roth, who headed communications for Poilievre's campaign. "We knew Pierre was popular online but we didn’t know how that would translate on the ground. In fact, we were soon having to book bigger venues." The campaign was a resounding success, with around 93,000 people attending 78 rallies across the country. Poilievre attracted 300,000 new members to the Conservative Party, raised more funds than his competitors combined, and won two-thirds of the vote, crushing centrist rival Jean Charest. His relentless travel and connection with voters allowed Poilievre to fine-tune his message, focusing on rising costs of living, housing affordability, and visible crime. "He stuck around at the end of each rally to shake hands and take selfies with everyone that wanted one," Roth recalls. "He was often still at the venue at 1 am or 2 am." Poilievre’s approach helped him understand the struggles Canadians face, such as soaring gas prices, which fueled his targeted campaign. Housing has become the cornerstone of Poilievre's political platform, a key issue that has resonated with Canadians. Since the Liberals returned to power in 2015, house prices have surged by 66%, making homeownership increasingly out of reach. Michael Bonner, a political consultant, notes, "Poilievre has taken housing and made it the absolute centerpiece of his political project." By autumn 2022, the Conservatives had pulled ahead of the Liberals in the polls, with their popularity now at a high not seen since 1988. In a surprising shift, the Conservatives lead among voters aged 18 to 35 by 15 percentage points. Omer Aziz, a former foreign policy advisor to the Liberal government, admits, "We Liberals didn’t take him seriously enough early on. He could wipe us out." With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's approval rating plummeting to -35, polls suggest the Liberals could fall to the fourth-largest party in the next election, expected by October 2025. Poilievre's rise has not gone unnoticed abroad, either. Robert Jenrick, a leading figure in the UK’s Conservative Party, traveled to Canada to meet Poilievre, seeing him as an example of how to build a popular conservative movement in opposition. Poilievre’s success is even more remarkable given the state of Canada's conservative movement three decades ago. In 1993, the once-powerful Progressive Conservatives were decimated in an election, losing 154 seats and keeping only two. Over time, the party merged with the Reform Party, led by Stephen Harper, who became prime minister in 2006. "Poilievre represents part of Harper’s legacy," says Sean Speer, a public policy analyst. Poilievre, the adopted son of French-Canadian teachers, entered politics at a young age, and by 25, he was elected as an MP. Known for his brash style and love of debate, Poilievre has always been an aggressive political player. "He relishes the verbal sparring; he always has," says Bonner. Poilievre’s recent rise to international prominence was boosted when a video of him casually eating an apple while dismantling a journalist’s questions went viral, even catching the attention of Elon Musk. Poilievre’s populist appeal was solidified during the "Freedom Convoy" protest against vaccine mandates in early 2022, where he stood in support of the truckers. While some viewed his position as opportunistic, it resonated with many Canadians and bolstered his popularity. "If I’d been advising him, I would have recommended against the position he took and I would have been totally wrong," admits Speer. Looking ahead, Poilievre faces the challenge of balancing his populist rhetoric with traditional conservative economic principles. He has called for the firing of the governor of the Bank of Canada and has promised to defund the CBC, which he describes as a “propaganda arm” of the Liberal Party. Though Trudeau has criticized Poilievre for attacking Canadian institutions and "pitting Canadians against each other," the Conservative leader’s momentum shows little sign of slowing. As voters grow increasingly frustrated with the cost of living and rising housing prices, Poilievre’s message is resonating with a new generation of Canadians. Whether this political shift will last, only time will tell. Based on a report from: Daily Telegraph 2024-10-03 -
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Sydney Protest Sparks Arrest Over Alleged Display of Hezbollah Flag
A 19-year-old woman was arrested in Sydney after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a pro-Palestine and Lebanon rally held over the weekend. The New South Wales police confirmed that her arrest was part of "Operation Shelter," a police initiative created last year to oversee protest activities related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist political and militant organization, has been officially designated a terrorist group by the Australian government since 2021. Though protests are generally allowed in Victoria, the authorities are maintaining a firm stance on unlawful actions. "Victoria police does not have the power to deny a protest from occurring, so long as it is lawful. There is no permit system for protests in Victoria," the force reiterated. The display of Hezbollah flags during the weekend protests has drawn further attention from both state and federal law enforcement agencies. Politicians and officials are now debating whether existing laws that prohibit the display of symbols linked to terrorist groups should be strengthened to address incidents like these. Based on a report from: The Guardian | Sky | X 2024-10-03 -
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P Diddy Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations 120 New Accusers Emerge
Rapper and music mogul Sean Combs, known as P Diddy, is facing new allegations of sexual misconduct, with 120 individuals coming forward, according to attorney Tony Buzbee. At a press conference in Texas, Buzbee, who represents the claimants, revealed that the accusations involve both male and female accusers, with 25 of them being children at the time of the alleged offenses. Buzbee expects lawsuits to be filed in the coming month. Combs, also known by his stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy, is already awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. In response to these new claims, Combs' legal team has vehemently denied the allegations. "Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors," said Erica Wolff, one of his lawyers. Wolff also criticized the media attention surrounding the case, calling it a "reckless media circus." Despite these denials, Combs has been embroiled in a series of legal challenges over the past year. In addition to these new allegations, a video surfaced in May showing him physically attacking his ex-girlfriend Cassie. He later apologized for his actions in the video, admitting they were "inexcusable" and expressing his disgust over his behavior. Combs has been in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn since September 17, after pleading not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and using his influence to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers. These events, dubbed "Freak Offs," are central to the sex trafficking charges he faces. Combs has vowed to clear his name and fight the charges in court. His legal team has tried unsuccessfully to secure his release on bail, offering a $50 million package that included house arrest at his Florida mansion with GPS monitoring. The courts, however, have denied these applications. Combs remains a significant figure in the music industry, having founded Bad Boy Records in 1993 and winning three Grammy Awards throughout his career. Despite his success in the industry, the legal battles he faces continue to cast a shadow over his legacy. Based on a report from: Sky News 2024-10-03 -
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China's Economic Struggles Deepen
China’s economic challenges continued last month, with data suggesting the world’s second-largest economy is still struggling to regain momentum. Factory production in September appeared to have weakened for the fifth consecutive month, according to the Chinese statistics bureau's official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The PMI is an essential measure of economic activity, calculated based on industry surveys. A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a score below 50 signals contraction. In September, the headline PMI came in at 49.8, a slight improvement over August’s 49.1 but still signaling contraction. Since September 2023, the PMI has surpassed 50 only three times, with a peak of 50.8 in March. While manufacturing output rose to 51.2 in September from 49.8 in August, other indicators remained weak. New orders slightly improved to 49.9, suggesting demand is still sluggish. Supplier delivery times dipped from 49.6 to 49.5, a change that could indicate either faster deliveries or softer demand. Finished goods inventories stood at 48.4, down marginally from the previous month, which may suggest businesses are either meeting demand or keeping inventories low due to a cautious outlook. The employment sub-index remained weak at 48.2, its 13th consecutive month of contraction, reflecting persistent stagnation in the industry. China’s non-manufacturing sector, including services and construction, recorded a neutral 50.0 in September, a slight decline from 50.3 in August and the lowest level since September 2023. While the manufacturing sector remains below the 50-point threshold, September’s PMI reading was the highest since April. National Bureau of Statistics statistician Zhao Qinghe, cited by state media outlet Xinhua, noted that the data reflects some improvement in overall economic conditions and an increase in business production. In response to these economic struggles, Chinese policymakers have introduced various initiatives aimed at boosting domestic demand. Measures include trade-in programs for older electronics and home appliances, and approximately $43 billion in long-dated bonds to support indebted local governments and drive growth through infrastructure projects. Despite these efforts, headwinds like the ongoing real estate crisis and high youth unemployment continue to pose significant challenges. Both Goldman Sachs and Citigroup have recently lowered their GDP growth forecasts for China to 4.7 percent for 2024. In an effort to address these issues, China’s top financial regulators and central bank recently unveiled a sweeping stimulus package, the most ambitious since the pandemic. The package includes cuts to the reserve requirement ratio for banks, freeing up capital for loans, and instructions to banks to reduce mortgage rates by October 31. Chinese stocks responded positively, with a major rally marking the largest single-day gain since 2008. However, some experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the measures. Economist George Magnus, a University of Oxford China Centre associate, told *Newsweek* that “China’s economy needs Keynesian-style consumption stimulus, tax reform, and greater government intervention to stabilize home sales and manage losses." Magnus likened the current relief plan to "administering painkillers to someone who needs surgery," highlighting concerns that the stimulus may not address the root causes of the economic malaise. Based on a report from: Newsweek 2024-10-03 -
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Prof Brian Cox Declines Mars Journey, Prefers Moon Exploration
Professor Brian Cox, the renowned physicist and TV personality, has revealed that despite his lifelong fascination with space, he would decline an opportunity to travel to Mars, describing such a trip as "horrible." The 56-year-old scientist, who transitioned from a career in music to become one of the UK’s most popular science communicators, expressed a preference for visiting the Moon instead. In an interview with *Radio Times*, Cox explained why a mission to Mars does not appeal to him, despite the allure of interplanetary exploration. "No, I wouldn’t go, it’d be horrible!" he said. "I can’t picture going on a two-year journey in a capsule – but I can picture going on a week-long journey in space. I was always obsessed with Apollo, so I’d love to go to the Moon." Cox’s fascination with the Moon dates back to the Apollo 8 mission, which in 1968 became the first manned spacecraft to orbit the Moon. A photograph from that mission remains particularly significant for Cox, who described it as “one of the defining images” of his life. This connection to the early days of space exploration continues to inspire his work, as seen in his upcoming BBC Two series about the Solar System. The new series will delve into some of the lesser-known aspects of the Solar System, including its "hidden realms," "wildest weather," and "oddball" planets. In the interview, Cox praised recent advances in space travel technology, particularly the development of reusable rockets by Elon Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX. He acknowledged that such innovations have made space travel more accessible and cost-effective, especially for missions near Earth's orbit. "It’s cost-effective to operate near to the Earth’s orbit," Cox said, highlighting how these technological strides could revolutionize space exploration. He also reflected on the historic Polaris Dawn mission, which SpaceX partially funded. The mission, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, made headlines in September when Isaacman became the first private-sector astronaut to conduct a spacewalk. "It was a hell of an achievement – the furthest humans have been from Earth since Apollo 17 in 1972 and on what was basically a commercial flight. It’s high risk," Cox remarked. NASA hailed the mission as a “giant leap forward” for the commercial space industry, while Musk called it a “huge success.” When asked whether the vast sums of money invested in space exploration were justified, Cox defended the expenditures. “The real answer is that investing very small amounts of money in the exploration of our cosmic neighbourhood is not something that should concern us, because it’s cost-positive,” he argued. He went on to explain the unpredictable nature of discovery, stating, “Nature is very complicated and intricate, and discoveries can come from the strangest of places.” As Cox continues to inspire audiences with his insights into space, his reflections on the future of exploration underscore the importance of investing in the unknown, even if some frontiers—like Mars—are not destinations he would personally choose to visit. His love for the Moon, however, remains undiminished, and his passion for space exploration is as strong as ever. Based on a report from: Daily Telegraph 2024-10-03 -
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Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
Are you saying netanyahu is lying about responding? -
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Boris Johnson Questions the Effectiveness of 'Medieval' Lockdowns in Covid Fight
Johnny come lately. It's always been my opinion that the lockdowns were a very bad idea, did nothing to stop the disease and caused more problems than they saved. Some countries have still not recovered economically from the financial devastation wrought on a fooled population. -
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The Decline of the United Nations: A Toothless Global Forum
You are presumably talking about the Balfour declaration which split the ME between France and Britain, even before the war had ended. That has nothing to do with the British lying to the Arabs about independence post war. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMahon–Hussein_correspondence The McMahon–Hussein correspondence[a] is a series of letters that were exchanged during World War I in which the Government of the United Kingdom agreed to recognize Arab independence in a large region after the war in exchange for the Sharif of Mecca launching the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. -
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Concerning Harris: What is the most, for you, appropriate tune that comes to mind?
I dunno...but.... Harris is plenty-enough to..... Make a Grown Man Criiaaahhhhhhhhhhh! Start Her Up! -
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Hillary Clinton Warns of Upcoming Misinformation Targeting Kamala Harris
One can only hope that is true. If it is it makes her a liar about something as important as parents and ergo a liar about a lot of other things. -
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Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
My point is that Israel will not respond to the missile attack from Iran. At least, not for a while. The Lebanon stuff will continue.
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