NEWS

On Oct. 20, a social media post alleged that Lt. General  Toareed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), died of cancer while undergoing treatment abroad. The military swiftly dismissed the rumour, with the Defence Headquarters spokesperson Tukur Gusau clarifying that Lagbaja was on a “well-deserved rest” as part of his annual leave and will soon resume regular duties. However, public speculations intensified when, on Oct. 30, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the appointment of Major General Olufemi Oluyede as an acting COAS, pending the return of the indisposed substantive. Oluyede was promoted to Lieutenant General shortly after. 

While Onanuga’s earlier statement suggested that Lagbaja’s absence could be prolonged, he announced the army chief’s passing on Wednesday morning, noting that Lagbaja died on “Tuesday night after a period of illness”. “President [Bola] Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time,” said Onanuga. Lagbaja was 56. 

Lagbaja as army chief

Born on February 28, 1968, in Osun State, South West Nigeria,  Lagbaja began his military journey in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992. President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023. A career soldier known for his ‘no-nonsense approach’, he led the Nigerian Army with a vision “to transform it into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force,” crucial to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

Before becoming army chief, he had worked in different leadership capacities, including playing pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

Lagbaja assumed command amid a complex landscape of security threats, including ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgencies, IPOB activities, banditry, oil theft, and persistent herder-farmer clashes. Under his leadership, the army made notable advances in combating these issues, successfully mounting offensives against insurgent and criminal elements.

In February, Nigerian Army troops neutralised Boderi Isyaku, a notorious bandit, along with his fighters in Kaduna. By June, the army’s Operation Whirl Punch eliminated Buhari Alhaji Halidu, alias Buhari Yadi, a key bandit leader who had terrorised communities across northwestern Nigeria. Other high-profile figures—including Dogo Rabe, Kachalla Dan Chaki, Dogo Gudali, and Rufai Maikaji—were also neutralised, demonstrating the army’s focused efforts in the region.

In the past year, these operations continued to dismantle terrorist strongholds across the Northwest, resulting in the deaths of notorious leaders such as Halilu Sububu, a criminal responsible for hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands in communities like Maradun, Faru, Kaura Namoda, and Bakura. Lagbaja’s tenure left a lasting impact, with his strategic leadership earning the Nigerian Army recognition for its resilience and ongoing commitment to restoring peace.

Some soldiers who spoke with HumAngle also said Lagbaja was dedicated to their welfare and had encouraged them to do better in several outings.

The army under Lagbaja’s leadership also provided critical humanitarian support. In September, when devastating floods swept Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital, the military’s swift response was widely praised on social media under the hashtag #ThankASoldier.

Terrorists still control strongholds. 

Despite these gains, violent crime and terrorist control remain entrenched in parts of Nigeria’s north and south. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a global non-profit organisation tracking violent conflict and protests, reported that over 11,000 people, including soldiers, were killed during Lagbaja’s time as army chief.

Conflict-prone areas also saw a series of extrajudicial killings, displacements and kidnappings.

A review by HumAngle of the Nigerian Army’s social media pages indicates that Lagbaja’s last public appearance was on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, when he inaugurated several civil-military cooperation projects in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun state.

Since then, senior military officers stood in for him at crucial events. On Sept. 28, he missed the combined passing-out parade of the 71 Regular Course, Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event was done to mark the graduation of Direct Short Service Course 28 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 32 (Air Force) cadets from the NDA. 

Questions around Lagbaja’s absence grew when he missed the 1 October Independence Day celebrations at Aso Rock and the graduation dinner of the Army War College Nigeria Course 8/2024 in Abuja on 2 October, where he was expected to serve as the chief host. Silence from the military only ended on 19 October, when army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu revealed that Lagbaja was unwell and receiving treatment abroad.

There was no official update on his return until the announcement of his death on Wednesday, making him the second army chief to die in office within the last three years.

THIS is the terrifying moment a hammer-wielding maniac goes on a rampage through the street as kids flee.

Disturbing CCTV footage shows two young boys sprint in opposite directions on Park Lane, Middlesbrough, as a man runs towards them swinging a hammer.

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Chilling video evidence reveals how Akheel Khan, dressed in a black top and grey joggers, sparked chaos on the quiet street.

He appears out of no where backed by a gang of lads around him before cops intervene.

The 24-year-old is seen roaming the streets with his weapon, on a revenge rampage.

The thugs scarper as more than six officers chase them down the road with help from a riot van.

CCTV shows the moment Khan is finally cuffed and restrained by two policemen outside a nearby property.

Teesside Crown Court heard the horrifying ordeal unfolded amid the Middlesbrough riots earlier this year.

The court heard Khan, an engineer with a first class honours degree, left his Mosque on August 4.

He was spotted later that evening on Belk Street and Park Lane, with the group of yobs looking for someone.

Khan had discovered his car had been damaged in the riots and the court heard he armed himself with a hammer to go out and look for the person who had done it.

Cleveland police were called out to Park Lane at just after 8pm to “reports of a group of Asian men fighting.”

Khan got into a waiting car which crashed seconds later and was arrested immediately afterwards.

He appeared in court having admitted violent disorder.

His solicitor Michele Turner asked the judge to consider suspending Khan’s sentence as he was a victim after discovering his car had been smashed up.

The court heard how his job in Sheffield is being held open for him.

Judge Richard Bennett sentenced Khan, of Wheatley Close in Acklam, to 15 months.

He will serve 40 per cent of the prison term before he is released on licence.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, is on the up and up in her battle with an undisclosed form of cancer; just ask her husband, Prince William.

William offered an update on his wife’s health Wednesday as he attended the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in South Africa, telling Sky News in an interview that the former Kate Middleton is “doing really well.”

“She’s been amazing this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success,” the 42-year-old royal added.

Princess Catherine, 42, revealed in March that she had stepped away from the public eye and royal duties — to much online speculation — after she was diagnosed with cancer. In her video announcement, the princess said she learned of her diagnosis after undergoing “major abdominal surgery” in January. She also explained at the time she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy and hoping to make a full recovery.

She explained in March that her time away from the spotlight not only meant recovering from her surgery but also working with Prince William to explain her health condition to their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte. The princess said they needed to find a “way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

Princess Catherine announced in September she had completed her chemotherapy treatment, saying, “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.”

“Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). The princess also announced at the time that she would return to her royal engagements, including public appearances.

At his event on Wednesday, Prince William spoke on the negative impacts of the wildlife trade and the “over-exploitation of nature,” and celebrated honorees who he said are helping combat environmental crises.

“What happens over the next five years … is crucial for the future of life on Earth,” he said. “The urgency is palpable as entire parts of the species chain are being removed. As we look to 2030 and beyond, we have the power and opportunity to change the trajectory.”

Times staff writers Nardine Saad and Malia Mendez contributed to this report.

Labour Minister Mustafa Bayram says 4,000 civilians were killed or wounded in the September attacks.

Lebanon has filed a complaint against Israel with the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) over a string of deadly attacks involving exploding pagers in September.

Lebanese Labour Minister Mustafa Bayram filed the formal complaint at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said the attack was an “egregious war against humanity, against technology, against work”.

“It’s a very dangerous precedent if not condemned,” he said of the attacks, which Lebanon says killed and injured workers.

“We are in a situation where ordinary objects – objects used in daily life – become dangerous and lethal.”

The explosions on September 23 were purportedly aimed at targeting the Hezbollah armed group in Lebanon that used the devices to communicate.

The attack was widely blamed on Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied the allegation. Bayram said it was “widely accepted internationally … that Israel was behind this heinous act”.

The minister added that the casualty count was even higher than first reported, explaining that “more than 4,000 civilians fell – between martyrs and injured and maimed – in a few minutes by this attack.”

‘Contrary to decent work principles’

During a press conference in Geneva, Bayram was asked why he opted to file the complaint at the ILO, to which he replied that the workers who were harmed in the explosions were on the job.

“We deemed it necessary to point out that this runs contrary to work environment, security and safety, contrary to decent work principles … defended by the ILO,” he said.

He added that the Lebanese authorities could still file complaints about pager attacks in other international forums, including the World Trade Organization (WTO).

With the attack on the pagers in September, Israel began a more intense war on Lebanon.

Hezbollah and the Israeli army had already been trading attacks since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023.

A week after the pager attack, Israel announced a ground operation in southern Lebanon as well as heavy air strikes on areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs and the eastern Bekaa Valley.

So far, more than 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and 13,492 injured since last October, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

More than a million people have also been displaced due to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.

In the latest attacks on Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed at least 30 people in Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, according to the regional governor, while more strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs.

When Kamala Harris was confirmed as the Democratic candidate for the United States presidential election in August, she had hoped to become the first woman, first Indian American and the second African American to make it to the White House.

Harris was expected to reverse a troubling trend for Democrats and win back Black voters, who had been drifting away from the party.

Since then, her campaign has targeted Black voters in battleground states, often with the support of the country’s first Black president, Barack Obama.

Yet as results in Tuesday’s election trickled in, a stunning fact emerged: It is Trump, not Harris, who gained support among Black voters compared with the 2020 election, as the former president won the White House.

So how much support did Trump secure from Black voters? And how did he do it?

How did Trump do with Black voters in the 2024 election?

Black voters have for decades predominantly voted for the Democratic Party — and that pattern, on the whole, hasn’t changed.

Harris appears to have won 80 percent of the Black vote, according to an exit poll by The Associated Press.

But that’s a drop of 10 percentage points compared with 2020 when the current president, Joe Biden, won nine of 10 Black votes.

The beneficiary? Trump, who won 20 percent of the Black vote this time, according to the exit poll. He had won 13 percent of the community’s vote in 2020 and 8 percent in 2016 — which in itself was the highest level of support by Black voters for any Republican since George W Bush in 2000.

How did Trump perform with Black voters in swing states?

A comparison of Black votes for both parties in some of the swing states in 2024 and 2020 shows how Trump’s support crept up in this year’s election, according to exit polls after both elections.

Georgia

Georgia was one of the most crucial swing states in the 2024 election and one of the first battleground states that went Trump’s way. He made a 1 percentage point improvement among Black voters in Georgia from the 2020 election against Biden, according to exit polls.

2024:

• Democrats: 86 percent
• Republicans: 12 percent

2020:

• Democrats: 88 percent
• Republicans: 11 percent

Michigan

Harris and the Democrats lost 2 percentage points of the Black vote in this state after growing anti-Democrat sentiment in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump made a 2 percentage point gain.

2024:

• Democrats: 90 percent
• Republicans: 9 percent

2020:

• Democrats: 92 percent
• Republicans: 7 percent

North Carolina

North Carolina saw one of the biggest shifts from Democrats to Republicans among Black voters with a 5 percentage point change from the previous election.

2024:

• Democrats: 87 percent
• Republicans: 12 percent

2020:

• Democrats: 92 percent
• Republicans: 7 percent

Pennsylvania

Trump’s victory was all but sealed when Pennsylvania was called for the Republican candidate, and here too the numbers went up for the second-time president.

2024:

• Democrats: 89 percent
• Republicans: 10 percent

2020:

• Democrats: 92 percent
• Republicans: 7 percent

Wisconsin

Voters in the state of Wisconsin had poverty, low wages and healthcare among their chief concerns, and Black voters in this state made a dramatic 13 percentage point shift towards Trump.

2024:

• Democrats: 77 percent
• Republicans: 21 percent

2020:

• Democrats: 92 percent
• Republicans: 8 percent

Nevada

The state reeling from the highest unemployment rate in the country was the only swing state where Harris made gains among Black voters compared with 2020.

2024:

• Democrats: 82 percent
• Republicans: 17 percent

2020:

• Democrats: 80 percent
• Republicans: 18 percent

Was the Black vote shift towards Trump unexpected?

Not really.

A Gallup poll in 2023 showed the proportion of Black adults in the US who consider themselves Democrats had decreased from 77 percent in 2020 to 66 percent.

Why? Today’s Black voters operate a bit more independently from previous generations, especially young Black voters, analysts say.

Historically, the Democratic Party’s legacy with the civil rights movement is what kept it popular with Black voters. However, younger Black voters do not have those same civil rights legacy attachments.

“I think a certain generation of Black voters don’t have the direct experience with the civil rights movement or the knowledge of those things because to them that’s not memory – it’s history,” said Adolphus Belk, political scientist at Winthrop University in South Carolina. “They’re coming in without an understanding of these historical contours and turns, limitations, opportunities.

“And those frustrations are being made clear in this rising percentage of Black voters that’s taking a different look at the Republican Party in general and are exploring some curiosities with Trump despite his racial baggage.”

Furthermore, Black voters were seemingly frustrated that they are receiving little from the Democratic Party in return for what they feel is long-term, steadfast support, he said.

Did the Democratic Party see this coming?

As pre-election sentiment from Black voters shifted away from Harris, the vice president went all out in her bid to woo Black voters and relied heavily on Obama’s support.

Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, were among the first to declare their support for Harris when Biden exited the presidential race and Harris began her journey as the likely Democratic nominee before the party’s national convention in August.

The Obamas then joined Harris on the campaign trail. During her campaign, Harris introduced an “opportunity agenda for Black men” that she said would give them more chances to thrive.

The proposals included $1m in forgivable small business loans.

But the party appeared to sense that this wasn’t working, and at a community event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in October, Barack Obama berated Black men over their apparent lack of support for Harris.

“I’m speaking to men directly – part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that,” he said.

Obama’s remarks, though, were criticised by many within the Black community. “When you are trying to get a group of people to support you, you appeal to them. You don’t chide them, humiliate them and vent your anger at them,” writer Ta-Nehisi Coates told Al Jazeera in an interview.

“Who do you think is going to see that and say, ‘Yes, now I’m going to do it [vote for Harris]’?”

How did Trump increase his popularity among Black voters?

Similar to the Democratic strategy in the mid-19th century, Trump has been trying to pull away disaffected Black voters from the Democratic Party.

Trump has claimed that African Americans fared better economically under his presidency with record low unemployment. Some experts have argued, however, that this was a continuation of a downward trend that started with the Obama administration.

At a gala hosted by the Black Conservative Federation in Columbia, South Carolina, Trump said he believed he was receiving more Black support due to his four criminal cases because Blacks have been historically treated unfairly by the criminal justice system.

“And then I got indicted a second time and a third time and a fourth time. And a lot of people said that that’s why the Black people like me because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against,” he said. “They actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against.”

Trump was criticised and mocked for those comments. But he succeeded in securing celebrity endorsements from African American icons like Kanye West, Kodak Black, 50 Cent and Lil Wayne.

DEAR DEIDRE: I MUST be married to the cruellest man in Britain.

Since we got hitched he’s turned into someone I don’t recognise – someone so mean he won’t even pay for a box of my favourite Earl Grey tea.

I’m 54 and he’s 53. We’ve been married for three years. When we met, he was kind, loving, generous and always buying me expensive gifts. He was also fun to be with.

But it seems he didn’t take the “for worse” part of his vows seriously. My health has declined, meaning I can’t work or contribute much, and he’s made me feel like I’m a burden.

Sex is uncomfortable for me, so I avoid it. That makes him angry and mean. He constantly reminds me that I don’t contribute enough to the bills but I give as much as I can, out of my benefits.

When we go supermarket shopping, he refuses to let me buy the food I like, even though he has plenty of cash.

I know that having a wife who has disabilities and gets tired isn’t the future he planned, but I thought he loved me.

Instead, he puts me down all the time, telling me I’m pathetic, stupid, and an ugly cripple.

He never hits me but he humiliates me. I can’t take much more but I don’t have the resources to leave.

DEIDRE SAYS: Not all abuse is physical. Your husband is emotionally, financially and mentally abusive.

He’s making your life miserable and he is destroying your self-esteem. You deserve so much better.

My support pack, Abusive Partner, explains more and contains details of organisations which can help you leave, if that’s what you decide to do.

You can also contact Surviving Economic Abuse (survivingeconomicabuse.org) for their advice.

Ask friends or family for support too, so that they know what’s going on and can be there for you.

As Americans cast their votes in a monumental presidential election, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quietly ousted Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The two figures shared an openly divisive relationship following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Netanyahu has long attempted to absolve himself of responsibility for the security lapse.

The prime minister has consistently blamed the security establishment for the events that unfolded on October 7, during which 1,139 people were killed and 250 were taken captive.

His position has compounded tensions between his far-right coalition and the Israeli army’s senior brass.

Where did Gallant stand on Gaza?

Gallant, infamous for likening Palestinians to “human animals”, has criticised Netanyahu’s war on Gaza, which has reduced most of the enclave to rubble, killed more than 43,400 people and displaced almost the entire population.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for arrest warrants against Gallant and Netanyahu, accusing them of committing atrocities such as starving Palestinians in Gaza and overseeing the extermination of civilians.

While Gallant has shown no remorse for Palestinians, he believes Israel is “conducting a war without a compass” and that it needs to reassess its military objectives in the region.

Netanyahu has responded by replacing Gallant with Israel Katz, his foreign minister and loyal ally with little military experience.

What’s behind the tumultuous history between Gallant and Netanyahu? Here’s what you should know.

What was their relationship like before Israel’s wars began?

Gallant and Netanyahu’s relationship was fractious before October 7.

In March 2023, Netanyahu was facing mass protests due to his plans to weaken the judiciary.

At the time, Gallant criticised Netanyahu during a televised address, arguing that the proposed judicial reforms endangered national security by deepening political divisions within security branches.

Critics and analysts said the judicial reforms would effectively curb the powers of the Supreme Court and embolden the legislative and executive branches of government.

They accused Netanyahu, who was facing corruption charges and implicated in a bribery scandal, of pushing through these reforms to evade criminal prosecution.

What’s the wartime division about?

In July, Gallant called for the establishment of an independent inquiry to investigate the Hamas-led attack on October 7 and security failures that day.

He said his role, the failures of the Israeli army, those of Netanyahu, as well as the culpability of the internal security agency Shin Bet should be probed.

But Netanyahu had long obstructed calls for an international or state-led inquiry, arguing that a commission should be established only after the war in Gaza, so that soldiers do not have to “hire lawyers” while fighting on the battlefield.

Critics have said Netanyahu is opposed to establishing a commission because it would reveal his role in strengthening Hamas at the expense of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which controls large swathes of the West Bank as part of the Oslo Accords – a failed peace agreement inked between Palestinian and Israeli leaders in 1993.

“We need an investigation at the national level that will clarify the facts – a state commission of inquiry,” Gallant said on a podium during a graduation ceremony for new army officers.

“It must examine all of us: the decision-makers and professionals, the government, the army and security services, this government – and the governments over the last decade that led to the events of October 7,” he added as the crowd applauded.

Did the pair agree on a strategy to return the captives?

One of the largest disputes between Gallant and Netanyahu was over securing a permanent ceasefire deal in Gaza in order to retrieve the remaining captives held by Hamas.

Netanyahu approved a temporary ceasefire deal back in November 2023, which led to the release of 105 Israeli captives in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

But since then, Netanyahu has effectively torpedoed every single ceasefire proposal in order to prolong the war in Gaza and his political career, analysts and critics have previously told Al Jazeera.

On July 31, Hamas’s political chief and lead negotiator Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated.

Haniyeh was killed while attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the capital Tehran.

While Gallant did not denounce the assassination, which has been blamed on Israel, he has repeatedly called for a deal to retrieve the Israeli captives.

Israeli families of the captives believe that Gallant’s dismissal is further proof that Netanyahu is undermining a ceasefire deal.

How did Gallant envision Gaza after an end to the war?

As part of any ceasefire deal, Gallant stressed that Israel should promote or encourage a new Palestinian faction to control Gaza in a “day after” scenario.

The United States has long called on a reformed PA, headed by Mahmoud Abbas, to return to Gaza and assume governance. The PA was first pushed out of Gaza following an inter-factional war with Hamas in 2007.

Despite objections from the US and from his own security officials, Netanyahu has said that Israel will remain in full military control of Gaza and the West Bank.

In May, Gallant publicly condemned Netanyahu’s plan and said that he would “not agree to the establishment of Israeli military rule in Gaza”.

Netanyahu has dismissed Gallant’s remarks and repeatedly promised to achieve “total victory” against Hamas in Gaza.

In August, Gallant described this war aim and rhetoric as “nonsense”.

Hardcover fiction

1. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Farrar, Straus & Giroux: $29) Two grieving brothers come to terms with their history and the people they love.

2. The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (Minotaur: $30) The 19th mystery in the Armand Gamache series.

3. Playground by Richard Powers (W.W. Norton & Co.: $30) The Pacific Ocean-set novel explores one of the last wild places we have yet to colonize.

4. The Waiting by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown & Co.: $30) LAPD Det. Renée Ballard tracks a serial rapist whose trail has gone cold.

5. James by Percival Everett (Doubleday: $28) An action-packed reimagining of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

6. Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner (Scribner: $30) A seductive and cunning American woman infiltrates an anarchist collective in France.

7. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout (Random House: $30) A return to the town of Crosby, Maine, and its colorful cast of characters.

8. All Fours by Miranda July (Riverhead Books: $29) A woman upends her domestic life in this irreverent and tender novel.

9. Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway (Viking: $30) A new novel set in the world of John le Carré’s most iconic spy, George Smiley.

10. Colored Television by Danzy Senna (Riverhead Books: $29) A novelist in L.A. gets the opportunity to cash in on her biracial background..

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Hardcover nonfiction

1. Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (Crown: $34) The Barefoot Contessa shares the story of her rise in the food world.

2. The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates (One World: $30) The National Book Award winner travels to three sites of conflict to explore how the stories we tell, and the ones we don’t, shape our realities.

3. Patriot by Alexei Navalny (Knopf $35) The memoir of a political opposition leader who paid the ultimate price for his beliefs.

4. Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell (Little, Brown & Co.: $32) The bestselling author reframes the lessons of his first book 25 years later.

5. Sonny Boy by Al Pacino (Penguin Press: $35) The legendary actor opens up about his life and creative journey.

6. War by Bob Woodward (Simon & Schuster: $32) The Pulitzer winner’s account of one of the most tumultuous periods in presidential politics and American history.

7. Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari (Random House: $35) How the flow of information has shaped us and our world across the centuries.

8. Brothers by Alex Van Halen (Harper $32) The rock ’n’ roll drummer shares his personal story in a tribute to brother and bandmate Eddie.

9. Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman (Farrar, Straus and Giroux: $27) A guide to living a more meaningful life.

10. The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon (Thesus: $32) A portrait of 12 ordinary Americans whose courage formed the character of our country.

…

Paperback fiction

1. The Vegetarian by Han Kang (Hogarth: $17)

2. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (Vintage: $19)

3. Blackouts by Justin Torres (Picadors: $20)

4. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (Europa Editions: $17)

5. North Woods by Daniel Mason (Random House Trade Paperbacks: $18)

6. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper Perennial: $22)

7. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Penguin: $18)

8. The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Vintage: $18)

9. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (Penguin: $18)

10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelh (Harper One: $18)

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Paperback nonfiction

1. The Art Thief by Michael Finkel (Vintage: $18)

2. The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. (Penguin: $19)

3. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari (Harper Perennial: $26)

4. The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan (Knopf: $35)

5. STEM for All by Leena Bakshi McLean (Jossey-Bass: $30)

6. Sinéad O’Connor (Melville House: $20)

7. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (TarcherPerigree: $20)

8. All About Love by bell hooks (Morrow: $17)

9. Of Time and Turtles by Sy Montgomery, ill. by Matt Patterson (Mariner: $22)

10. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Milkweed Editions: $20)

Southeast Asia, home to ASEAN, has a vast water area, according to MOCI (2023), more than 66% of its territory is ocean. The region’s oceans account for 2.5% of the world’s total seawater. While this provides lucrative potential for ASEAN member states, challenges to environmental safety, especially the issue of marine debris, are also becoming more pressing. Data shows that five out of ten countries with the largest marine debris disposal in the world are ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia Fadilah, 2022). Indonesia faces an urgency to address marine debris that negatively affects the health of marine biota and humans. The author understands that marine debris pollution has become a global concern in recent years and is an urgent challenge, as it is extremely harmful to marine ecosystems and also impacts the global landscape (international relations). The ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debrisestablished in 2019 in Bangkok is an optimistic step in addressing the marinedebris problem. To that end, the author will focus on three main arguments, namely: (1) marine debris as a non-traditional security threat to Southeast Asia, (2) ASEAN’s strategic role in coordinating policies and collective actions to tackle marine debris, and (3) implementation challenges and the importance of technological independence in addressing marine debris in Indonesia.

It should be emphasized that the importance of reducing the impact of marine debris is not only limited to environmental considerations but also involves human health and safety factors, furthermore we can see that it can also destabilize the social and economic stability of ASEAN countries. This can be seen from the perspective of the Regional Environmental Security Complex theory, which views the marine debris issue as a significant non-traditional threat to the environmental security and socio-economic stability of ASEAN countries. As outlined by Gaeun Lee (2002), this theory asserts that environmental pollution not only has ecological impacts but also affects national and regional security dynamics. In this case, the complexity of the relationship between ASEAN member states can be seen through their interactions in responding to the challenges faced due to marine debris. For example, as Indonesia seeks to implement an action plan to address marine debris, neighboring countries may feel the direct or indirect impact of the resulting pollution, which may create tension or trigger cooperation between them.

The increasing accumulation of marine debris can cause damage to marine ecosystems that are vital for the survival of various types of marine life. Every year, millions of tons of plastic pollute the oceans and damage important marine habitats, such as coral reefs. As a result, the ecosystems that support marine life are now on the brink of collapse, resulting in a loss of biodiversity that can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, potentially harming the health of humans who depend on marine resources. With more than 600 marine species threatened by plastic pollution, this threat is very real and can affect the food chain, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and human health and reduced availability of fish, a source of protein for millions of people in the region. Just imagine that plastic debris that breaks down into microplastics can accumulate in fish and other marine organisms, the potential long-term health effects of consuming fish contaminated with microplastics are not fully understood but could include hormonal problems, developmental disorders, and even cancer. Therefore, mitigating the problem of marine debris not only supports environmental sustainability but is also an important step in safeguarding human health and ensuring the safety of seafood consumed. Economically, the impacts of marine debris are also very significant. Coastal communities that depend on fishing as a source of income face huge losses when fish populations decline due to pollution. Decreased catches have a direct impact on fishers’ livelihoods and can worsen socio-economic conditions in the region. In addition, the tourism industry, which is vital to many countries in the region, is also threatened. Dirty and polluted beaches reduce the attractiveness of tourist destinations, which in turn can lead to loss of income and employment.

ASEAN’s role as a regional organization is crucial in dealing with major challenges such as marine debris. The ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris implemented in Indonesia reflects a collective effort to address transboundary environmental issues. One important aspect of this action plan is the strengthening of cross-border collaboration, where pollution in one country can impact neighboring countries. Countries that have developed effective waste management technologies are expected to assist other countries, including through technology exchange and training to build local capacity. However, even though ASEAN has formulated an agreement, the problem of marine debris is still persistent with little significant change. Weaknesses in institutional design and ambiguous political will from member states are the main obstacles to the implementation of this program. Political will reflects the commitment of political leaders to take concrete action, and the lack of real commitment from member states hinders the implementation of the agreement. This raises serious questions about the extent of the political will of member states in implementing the agreement. Collective action on marine litter will help ASEAN strengthen its position as a key actor in the global discussion on sustainability and environmental management. By taking the lead in addressing marine debris, ASEAN can draw international attention and demonstrate its commitment to the environment, as well as open up opportunities for further support and cooperation from other countries and global organizations.

The challenges of implementing the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris in Indonesia are complex and require serious attention. One of the main challenges is the limited technology in waste management. Many regions in Indonesia still rely on inefficient traditional waste management methods, which are unable to handle the growing volume of plastic waste. Amid a troubling increase in the amount of marine debris, technological limitations are a major hindrance in creating effective and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, the issue of limited funding is a significant obstacle in implementing the established programs. Without adequate financial support, it is difficult to build the necessary waste management infrastructure to support these programs. This raises questions about the political commitment of ASEAN member states to give sufficient priority to the issue of marine debris management.

Local capacity is also an important issue to consider. Many communities in Indonesia do not have a sufficient understanding of the importance of marine debris management and its impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, investment in education and training for local communities is necessary to enable them to actively participate in marine debris reduction efforts. Without widespread understanding and participation from the community, any efforts made to tackle this issue will run in place. Criticisms of the program’s performance have also emerged, mainly related to the non-binding nature of the ASEAN tools that govern this action plan. Research by Ria Wierma Putri and Febryani Sabatira shows that the fundamental principles of the ASEAN Way, which emphasize consensus and non-intervention, often hamper the level of compliance among member states. This creates challenges in ensuring that all member states are committed to implementing the same policies consistently. In the absence of clear monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, many agreements will remain documents without action.

Therefore, ASEAN must encourage investment in waste management technology and waste handling infrastructure for the program to be effective at the national level. More than just a statement of commitment, ASEAN must show concrete actions in supporting its member states, especially the most vulnerable ones like Indonesia, with the necessary resources to create an efficient system. Collaboration between member states in sharing technology and experience is also urgently needed to tackle this transnational problem. With concrete steps and shared commitments, ASEAN can strengthen its collective efforts in addressing the marine debris problem and ensure environmental sustainability and food security in the region.

The three arguments that have been presented all show that although ASEAN has taken positive steps through the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris, the program has not been successful in significantly addressing the marine debris problem. Weaknesses in institutional design and ambiguous political will from member states are the main barriers to the implementation of this program. The issue of marine debris not only has the potential to damage ecosystems and human health, but can also destabilize social and economic stability in regions that rely heavily on marine resources. Therefore, strong political commitment and adequate resource support are crucial to ensure that the agreements made can be implemented effectively. By addressing these challenges, ASEAN can not only improve environmental conditions in Southeast Asia, but also strengthen its position as a key actor in the global discussion on sustainability and marine resource management. It is time for member states to come together and take collective action for a cleaner and more sustainable future for the region.

FOR Lush fans, there’s no more iconic product than Snow Fairy.

More than 2.1m of the pink sparkly line of beauty favourites – which smell of candy floss scented – sell each year.

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And Scotland can’t get enough of the stuff, with more than 9,000 bottles of Snow Fairy shower gel selling in Glasgow alone in 2023.

Now the mega popular product is getting its own Scottish pop-up shop in time for Christmas.

The Snow Fairy Pod will be landing in Braehead Shopping Centre next week.

Customers can explore and snap up the iconic sweet smelling collection with best-sellers and selected Christmas gifts available, as well as drop-in product-making sessions running on Sundays between 12pm-2pm for the whole family to enjoy.

It will also feature best-selling Lush companion products such as viral sensations, Sticky Dates and Super Milk .

Meanwhile, Lush Glasgow City, on Buchanan Street, will be offering Snow Fairy Wash & Style services in their Shampoo Bar salon, with all clients leaving with sparkling bubblegum and candy floss scented locks using the brand new Snow Fairy shampoo.

For £49, customers will be given a bespoke tailored consultation to meet all their hair care needs and finish with a style of choice, as well as a gift bag of Lush samples and a bottle of Snow Fairy shampoo to take home.

For many, ‘Snow Fairy season’ marks the beginning of the festive celebrations, and the brand has received countless requests for the product to be made available all year round.

The iconic scent was originally invented back in 2005 by 11-year-old daughter of Lush co-founders and now group retail director, Claire Constantine. 

Claire said:“When I was around 11 mum and dad brought home a pink shower gel with no scent.

“I found it in the bathroom and told them that I loved the colour but it needed to smell of candy fluff and my favourite perfume.

“That product became called ‘Snow Fairy’ and is now our best selling Christmas product year after year.

” I still love it to this day!” 

This year, four new variations of the iconic shower gel are hitting Lush’s shelves, infused with everything from creamy oat milk, hydrating aloe vera and additional lashings of plastic free glitter – 13 times as much as in the original.

Check out the Braehead pop-up, open from November 15 to 23.

The AP has declared Donald Trump the winner of the 2024 US Presidential election. Trump won several key swing states, including Pennsylvania.

When it comes to “walkability,” L.A. gets a bad rap. To the weekend visitor, our city can seem like a maze of twisting freeways and roads built for cars, walled off to pedestrians. But those who really know L.A. can tell you it’s a pleasure to stroll through, replete with blooming bougainvillea, rich history and street vendors and shops. You just have to know where to look.

Lucky for you, we’ve put together a guide for exactly that. Discover the essential walking paths that will show you the best of L.A. Get to know local groups and leaders who are fusing community and exercise. Learn about the vast stretch of culture contained on one 27.4-mile boulevard. And connect with personal stories about the power of a good walk.

We’ll be publishing new stories on walking L.A. all week. C’mon, it’s time to get moving.

— Alyssa Bereznak, Wellness Editor

Ukraine and its allies say some North Korean soldiers are already deployed to fight in the Russian region of Kursk.

The upper house of Russia’s parliament has ratified a landmark mutual defence pact with North Korea as top Ukrainian officials report clashes with Pyongyang’s soldiers on the front lines.

Lawmakers in the Federation Council of Russia, which acts as a senate, approved the bill on ratification of the Treaty of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships between the two countries on Wednesday, state media reported.

The treaty was signed in Pyongyang on June 19 during a lavish state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is deepening ties with North Korea as the war with Ukraine approaches its third anniversary.

The unanimous vote in the upper house formalises months of increasing security cooperation between the two nations, the largest since the time they were Communist allies during the Cold War.

Lawmakers in the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, had ratified the legislation on October 24.

The pact obliges Russia and North Korea to immediately provide military assistance using “all means” if there is any “aggression” against either country.

The parliamentary approval comes as Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov told the South Korean broadcaster KBS that the Ukrainian military had its first confrontation with North Korean soldiers. He said a “small group” of North Korean soldiers were attacked.

Umerov said he expects Ukrainian soldiers to face more North Korean forces in combat but there have been only small contacts so far and most North Korean soldiers are still undergoing training before being deployed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had earlier condemned the West’s lack of response to the arrival of the North Korean soldiers on the front lines, said these “first battles with North Korea open a new chapter of instability in the world”.

Russia has deployed the North Korean soldiers to its own border region of Kursk, which has seen an offensive by the Ukrainian military since August in an effort by Kiev to chip away at Russian advances on Ukrainian soil.

Ukraine estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers were in Kursk.

Moscow and Pyongyang have so far not directly commented on the presence of North Korean soldiers on the front lines, but the deployment has been discussed by NATO, the United States and South Korea.

South Korea has also threatened that it could send arms to Ukraine if North Korean soldiers are not withdrawn.

Observers said Pyongyang could have been offered payments or deliveries of Russian military technology in exchange for the troops.

Sarah McBride has made history as the first openly transgender person to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The activist and politician, 34, defeated her Republican opponent John Whalen III, a former police officer and construction company owner from Delaware.

In a statement posted to social media, McBride wrote: “Thank you, Delaware! Because of your votes and your values, I am proud to be your next member of Congress.

“Delaware has sent the message loud and clear that we must be a country that protects reproductive freedom, that guarantees paid leave and affordable child care for all our families, that ensures that housing and health care are available to everyone and that this is a democracy that is big enough for all of us.”

Ahead of the U.S. election on Tuesday, McBride also told CBS News that her win would be a “testament to Delawareans that the candidacy of someone like me is even possible.”

“I think that folks know that I am personally invested in equality as an LGBTQ person,” she added. “But my priorities are going to be affordable child care, paid family and medical leave, housing, health care, reproductive freedom.”

This isn’t the first time McBride has made history for trans visibility in politics. In 2012, she memorably interned in the White House for President Barack Obama, becoming the first trans person to do so.

Four years later, she blazed a trail as the first trans person to deliver a speech at a major political convention when she spoke at the Democratic National Convention, where she paid tribute to her late husband Andrew Cray and his LGBTQIA+ activism.

McBride subsequently released her memoir, Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality, featuring a foreword from President Joe Biden.

As well as McBride, Tuesday’s election saw five additional LGBTQIA+ lawmakers make history in politics.

Keturah Herron became the first LGBTQIA+ person of colour elected to Kentucky State Senate, while Rashaun Kemp is “humbled and grateful” to be the first openly gay Black man to be the “State Senator for Georgia’s 38th District”.

Gabby Salinas is the first out LGBTQIA+ woman in Tennesse legislature, Molly Cook the first out LGBTQIA+ person in the Texas Senate and Emily Randall the first LGBTQIA+ Latina in Washington State legislature.

“I am so grateful to continue being your State Senator for District 15,” tweeted Cook. “Thank you for every single vote, door knocked, and phone call made. I am going to fight for you in Austin and fight to be worthy of your vote every, single day for the next four years. Thank you, SD15!”

Randall celebrated making history, writing: “Together, we shattered three glass ceilings.

“When I take office in January, I will become the first congresswoman and first person of colour to hold this seat, the first openly LGBTQ person to represent Washington State in congress, and the first ever queer Latina member of congress.”

All of their victories coincide with the loss of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Election. In January, convicted felon Donald Trump will once again be sworn in as President of the United States.

Former United States President Donald Trump has won the presidency again, defeating Democratic Party nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election, according to the Associated Press.

Tens of millions of voters across the United States trooped to polling booths  to cast their ballots for the presidential election and contests for the US Senate, House of Representatives, gubernatorial positions and down-ballot policy measures.

For weeks leading up to Election Day, pollsters had predicted a neck-and-neck race between former Trump and Harris.

But hours after as voting ended, a clear picture of the election outcome emerged even as the vote count continued in most states, and five states have not yet been called.

Here’s what happened — and the key takeaways from Election Day.

Where do Trump and Harris stand at the end of Election Night?

• Electoral College vote: Trump has secured 277 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press news agency, surpassing the 270 needed to win the election. The AP has projected results in 45 states, as well as the District of Columbia, where Harris is projected to win. It has called Trump wins in 27 of these states, and Harris in 18.
• National popular vote: The vote count is still under way, but according to AP, the vote tally for the popular vote stands at 51 percent votes for Trump and 47.5 percent for Harris. Trump has won more than 71.7 million votes, while Harris has won more than 66.9 million votes.
• Swing states: The election result hingds on the outcome of seven battleground states. Out of the swing states, AP has projected a Trump win in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Who is leading in the remaining states?

• Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Michigan and Nevada are yet to be called.
• So far, Trump is leading in four of these five states: Arizona by 5 percentage points, Michigan by 2, Nevada by 5 and Alaska by 15.
• Harris is leading Maine by 9 percentage points.

Trump makes inroads into Black and Latino communities

Traditionally, Trump has earned criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike about his racist and derogatory comments about Black people.

However, this time, Republican efforts to appeal to Black and Latino voters appear to have paid off.

The Black voter demographic in the US has consistently voted Democrat in the past. But nationally, this year, Trump secured 20 percent of the Black vote, according to an exit poll by AP. He had won 12 percent of the community’s vote in 2020. The AP poll also showed Trump getting more Latino votes than in 2020.

Women’s votes

This was the first election since the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v Wade ruling, ending a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy all over the US. Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for that verdict, which was made possible by his appointments of three conservative judges on the top court.

Trump and his running mate JD Vance have also been accused of multiple sexist comments.

And the Harris campaign has been highlighting Trump’s stance on reproductive rights in a bid to woo female voters, drawing out a contrast with herself, and her bid to become the first female president of the US.

However, early national exit polls, released while polling was ongoing, showed that Harris had won the support of 54 percent of women, lower than Biden did in 2020, when he had the support of 57 percent.

Changing trends of voters by age

Support for Harris slightly dwindled among young voters, according to an AP survey. About half of the voters aged below 30 supported Harris, according to the survey, compared with about 60 percent in the age group who supported Biden in 2020.

More than four out of 10 young voters supported Trump this year, which is an increase from the one-third who backed him in 2020.

In swing states Michigan and Wisconsin, Trump saw a five percentage point increase compared with 2020 among votes below 45 years, exit polls showed.

The Republican candidate lost some support among older voters. In Wisconsin, Trump lost 11 percentage points in support from voters aged above 65 compared with 2020, while in Michigan, he lost 6 percentage points in support from this demographic.

Congressional elections: Republicans flip Senate

The Republican Party gained control of the Senate, ending four years of Democrat leadership in the upper chamber of Congress.

As many as 33 Senate seats were up for grabs this year, making up roughly a third of the 100-seat chamber. Before this election, the Senate had 47 Democrats and four independent senators who caucused with the party, giving the Democrats the 51-member strength to make up the majority. The Democrats needed to hold on to every seat possible to stay in power. However, the Republicans — who previously had 49 members — claimed the Senate by flipping two seats.

In Ohio, Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown lost his seat to Republican Bernie Moreno. In West Virginia, retiring independent Senator Joe Manchin’s seat was won by Republican Jim Justice, who defeated Democrat Glenn Elliot by a comfortable 41 percentage points margin.

Republicans held on to their seat in Texas, where Senator Ted Cruz won a third term. More than 60 races are yet to be called for the House. However, Republicans are polling high and have a chance to boost their 220-212 House majority.

Democrat Sarah McBride won the open House seat in Delaware, becoming the first transgender person to be elected to Congress.