IREN Reports Q1 FY25 ResultsSpecial counsel Jack Smith's move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump's presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it's possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith's team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump's presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump's 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump's argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could got a chance to do so. The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July it on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith's team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump's two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump's second term, while Trump's lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.Inside the Beltway: Tuesday hearing to address drone threats to homeland securityavis wolfy casino 。

Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingIf you have kids or ever were a kid yourself, you know that Barbie and G.I. Joe don't have genitalia. But wouldn't it be great if you could slap a penis on Barbie? The University of Minnesota is working with transgender and gender-diverse artists to make that possible with their line of "MyGender Dolls." They're very inclusive: they come in all skin tones and body types, along with lots and lots of clothing options. The university is looking to expand the program, as they explain in the fundraising video below: BREAKING: @UMNews is rolling out a project called “MyGender Dolls” as a “therapeutic” tool for kids to express their “gender identity.” The project allows kids to swap different g*nitals and internal organs with their dolls, as well as pick what clothes they wear. They want to... pic.twitter.com/HCY1PQeS3k "They want to groom your children. Parents beware!" According to the medical school's website : The dolls consist of bodies that vary in age, shape, and skin color, so all kids can see themselves represented. In addition to the bodies, kids will have a choice of genitals and internal reproductive organs to show that their gender identity is valid no matter what parts they have. Clothing options: each clothing item is drawn several times so that any outfit will fit any body. With over 100 different clothing, accessory, and hair options, kids will have a lot of choices for self-expression through their doll. Although the project is still in its infancy, it has already started gaining attention. Aside from being presented at the 2019 United States Professional Association for Transgender Health (USPATH; the U.S. division of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health) symposium, the dolls also made an appearance in the University of Minnesota’s Discovery Magazine in March 2020. As we move forward, the plan is to create more bodies, clothing, and accessories by hiring more transgender and gender diverse identified artists, and to get this tool into the hands of gender therapists who support kids with their gender exploration. "Bodies are amazing, and there are so many different kinds." The dolls also include internal organs, so children can make a doll with a uterus and a penis in their gender exploration. These kids need therapy from people who arent mentally ill themselves This is about pushing an ideological agenda, not helping kids. Parents need to protect their children from this indoctrination. This is bad. It will lead to confusion and distress, and it should be strongly opposed. Now kids can play with pretend sex-change surgeries before getting ones themselves. I would buy these to keep as a relic of this bizarro era — just like I relieved public restrooms, elevators, and entryways of COVID-related warning and social distancing signs — to show my disbelieving grandkids someday. Historical iconography of the Neo-Dark Age. Why did it take them so long to put pants on the first kid? They prioritized hair and socks. 🤦‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/iaNccFiFVa Sorry, that's nasty and disgusting In this whole commercial they never once explain “gender identity”. It’s somehow related to genitalia and clothes, but not even the transgender designers seem to understand the concept they are selling to kids. We had them when I was a kid. We just called them Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head! 😂 It's Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head with genitals. I’m so glad my kids are grown. I feel for all of the parents who have to worry about this and the people already ruined by this ideology. This is End Stage Republic stuff right here We like the idea above of preserving these dolls as evidence of how messed up children's medine was in the 2020s. ***

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the SenateLea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.

( MENAFN - Jordan Times) As global attention converges on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the 16th session of the conference of the Parties to the United Nations convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), the urgency to combat land degradation and desertification takes center stage. For the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, where degraded lands and water scarcity are acute challenges, UNCCD COP16 provides a pivotal platform to showcase transformative solutions that are not only innovative but also essential for sustainable development and climate resilience. Sustainable land restoration and management Land degradation in the NENA region threatens food security, rural livelihoods and ecosystem health. Alarmingly, the proportion of degraded land has risen from 40 per cent to 70 per cent in recent decades, with 5 million hectares lost between 1990 and 2020. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have less than 1 per cent arable land. At UNCCD COP16, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is highlighting the urgent need for sustainable land restoration practices as a pathway to revitalise degraded landscapes, improve soil health and protect biodiversity. Through integrated land management approaches, FAO is enabling countries to address the immediate impacts of land degradation and establish long-term resilience to climate challenges. These efforts underline the role of agrifood systems as central solutions to combat climate crises and achieve land degradation neutrality, aligning with FAO's Regional Priority Framework on greening agriculture, water scarcity and climate action. Enhancing drought resilience and combating desertification Droughts have caused $70 billion in economic losses across Africa over the past 50 years, with increasing severity and frequency impacting NENA's water and food systems. Agriculture consumes 85 per cent of the region's renewable water resources, yet 60 per cent of the water supply originates from outside its borders, complicating resource management. With temperatures projected to rise by up to 4.8°C by the end of the century, these challenges are expected to worsen. At UNCCD COP16, FAO is focusing on strengthening drought resilience by promoting advanced technologies, early warning systems, sustainable water conservation practices, and leveraging digitalisation and artificial intelligence. These tools enable smarter resource management, enhance predictive capabilities for drought monitoring, and support the efficient allocation of water resources. These efforts align with FAO's Regional Initiative on Water Scarcity for the Near East and North Africa, which works to optimize water use efficiency and ensure sustainable water management across the region. Empowering women and youth in land governance A sustainable future for NENA hinges on the inclusion of women and youth in land governance. Systemic inequalities mean that despite their critical roles in agriculture and natural resource management, women own less than 7 per cent of agricultural land in the region and face barriers to accessing resources and decision-making roles. Similarly, youth struggle with limited access to land and financial services, exacerbating their vulnerability to environmental challenges. At UNCCD COP16, FAO highlights its initiatives to empower women and youth by providing them with tools, training and a platform for participation in governance processes. Inclusive governance not only addresses systemic inequalities but also strengthens agrifood systems, ensuring they are resilient, equitable, and better equipped to meet the challenges of land degradation and climate change. Strengthening urban-rural linkages for sustainable food systems Rapid urbanisation is transforming the NENA region, with 73 per cent of its population projected to live in cities by 2050. This demographic shift increases demand for food and natural resources, straining rural agricultural systems and urban infrastructure. At UNCCD COP16, FAO is addressing this challenge by showcasing strategies that strengthen urban-rural linkages by integrating rural producers into urban food systems. These efforts promote access to nutritious food while reducing environmental impacts and fostering sustainable development. Water management: Securing resources for future generations Water scarcity remains one of the most critical challenges in the NENA region. Most NENA countries have less than 1,000 cubic meters of water per capita annually and rely heavily on desalination and groundwater extraction, leading to unsustainable pressure on resources. At UNCCD COP16, FAO is advocating for collaborative solutions to address water scarcity, including water-saving technologies, improved irrigation systems, and integrated resource management. These approaches are essential to sustaining agricultural productivity while safeguarding water resources for future generations. Scaling up innovation, policy, and financing The scale of transformation needed to combat land degradation and desertification requires robust policy frameworks, innovative technologies and substantial financial investment. At UNCCD COP16, FAO is calling for financing mechanisms that prioritise agricultural communities, ensuring resources reach those most affected by environmental challenges. A key initiative highlighted at COP16 is the Regional Investment Framework for Integrated Development and Ecosystem Restoration Solutions in the Near East and North Africa. This framework promotes integrated approaches to land restoration, uniting public and private sector investments to support large-scale, sustainable projects that enhance food security, promote greening agriculture, improve livelihoods and build resilience to climate change across the region. By integrating agrifood systems into regional and global strategies, FAO is enabling transformative actions that address land degradation while driving progress toward sustainable development and resilience. A call to action The challenges faced by the NENA region are emblematic of a global crisis that demands immediate and collective action. Through its interventions at UNCCD COP16, FAO is reaffirming its commitment to solutions that prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. The abovementioned Regional Investment Framework is central to this effort. By fostering partnerships, empowering communities, and leveraging innovative approaches, FAO is addressing the NENA region's unique challenges while setting a precedent for global action against land degradation and desertification. As we advance, the outcomes of UNCCD COP16 will drive transformative change, shaping a future where sustainable land management and agrifood systems foster resilience and prosperity. Let us seize this moment to ensure that no region, no community, and no individual is left behind in the fight for a sustainable planet. Abdulhakim Elwaer is FAO assistant directorgeneral and regional representative for the Near East and North Africa. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2024. MENAFN02122024000028011005ID1108949047 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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