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American Airlines has been found to have repeatedly violated federal laws designed to protect individuals with disabilities by failing to provide essential assistance to wheelchair-bound passengers. As a result, the Department of Transportation has imposed a hefty fine of $50 million, according to a report by CNN on October 23.

An investigation conducted by the Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, revealed that from 2019 to 2023, American Airlines engaged in serious legal violations that adversely affected passengers with disabilities, occasionally resulting in injury, although specific data was not provided by the Department.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed grave concerns to the media, stating that thousands of wheelchairs have been mishandled or damaged by American Airlines. This lack of assistance for passengers with disabilities has created significant safety issues and immense inconvenience for consumers.

Buttigieg shared a poignant complaint from a disabled passenger, who remarked that the treatment she received from American Airlines made her feel “like just a piece of luggage,” leading her to vow never to fly with the airline again.

He emphasized, “The bottom line is that the era of allowing poor treatment of wheelchair passengers during their flights is over.”

The Department of Transportation released a statement indicating that the issues faced by American Airlines are not isolated incidents; complaints regarding improper handling of wheelchairs or a lack of adequate assistance for passengers in need are widespread.

The statement also noted that investigations are underway into similar violations by other airlines.

American Airlines will be required to pay $25 million of the fine to the Treasury Department, with the remaining $25 million earmarked for facility improvements aimed at reducing wheelchair damage and implementing a tracking system to monitor the status of checked wheelchairs. Additionally, passengers with disabilities who were affected from 2019 to 2023 will be compensated.

In a statement, American Airlines reported that it has invested $175 million this year to enhance services, upgrade infrastructure, provide staff training, and introduce new technology, which has led to a 20% improvement in the handling of wheelchairs and scooters since 2022.

Part of the impetus for this investigation stemmed from three formal complaints filed by the organization Paralyzed Veterans of America. Investigators also obtained video footage from an incident at Miami International Airport last year, which showed employees mishandling a wheelchair, allowing it to tumble down a baggage slide and crash onto the concrete floor.

The size and high costs associated with wind turbines are contributing to slow growth in wind energy, making it less competitive compared to solar power. Inadequate growth in wind energy could hinder global efforts to meet renewable energy production targets.

At last year’s UN Climate Summit in Dubai, over 130 countries pledged to triple their renewable energy output by 2030. However, data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) indicates that, while this goal remains achievable, the installation pace for wind turbines is lagging.

Oliver Metcalfe, head of wind research at BloombergNEF, noted, “The slow progress in wind energy is directly impacting the effectiveness of achieving renewable energy targets.”

A decade ago, the annual installation capacities for solar and wind energy were quite similar. However, significant investments by Chinese companies to expand solar panel production led to a dramatic drop in prices, resulting in a surge in solar installations.

In the past five years, global solar energy capacity has more than doubled, while wind energy capacity has increased by only about half that amount, and this trend appears to be ongoing. BNEF forecasts that in 2024, solar installation capacity will grow by 34%, while wind capacity is expected to only increase by 5%. Moreover, outside of mainland China, wind installation capacities in other regions might even see a slight decline.

Sven Utermöhlen, head of offshore wind operations at RWE in Germany, pointed out significant bottlenecks in wind energy, including inadequate equipment supply, insufficient grid capacity, and difficulties in obtaining permits. Offshore wind projects, in particular, require long lead times, with market adjustments taking several years to materialize.

BNEF predicts that by 2030, solar energy will account for over 90% of the total required for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, whereas wind energy will only contribute 77%.

Solar power has distinct advantages over wind energy, largely due to the smaller size of solar installations compared to wind turbines. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, in fields, and in parking lots, making them viable in both densely populated and rural areas. In contrast, wind turbines, which benefit from larger sizes, face challenges such as the need for massive cranes, airplanes, and ships for transport and installation, and they are often criticized for their impact on landscapes.

Cost is another significant issue. The surge in solar panel production in China has driven prices to historic lows, while recent increases in steel and other critical turbine components, along with supply chain bottlenecks and rising borrowing costs, have pushed up wind energy costs. By the end of last year, the cost of electricity generated by newly built onshore wind projects in the U.S. had risen by about 40% compared to the historic lows of 2021. In Germany, Europe’s largest wind market, the costs have increased by 35% since their historical low in 2019.

The rapid growth of solar energy means that the global green electricity generation targets are still within reach. However, if the pace of wind energy development slows, it may require an even higher total generation capacity to achieve the goal of reducing carbon emissions.

Highways EnglandA heavy goods vehicle fire on the M25 has led to closuresClosures on the M25 and M26 due to a lorry fire are likely to last until midday, road users have been warned.
The M25 is closed clockwise between J5 near Sevenoaks and J6 near Godstone/Caterham, according to Highways England. Diversions are in place.
Traffic on the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath and M25/A21 has also been diverted.
Six crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue and officers from Surrey Police attended the scene of the incident late on Sunday night.
Eddie MitchellSix fire engines attended the fire near Clacket Lane on Sunday nightA spokeswoman for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said shortly after 07:00 BST that there was still one engine at the scene.
She said: "The crew are currently dampening down hot spots.
"We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and partners who were involved in tackling this blaze.”
Highways England said specialist recovery would be required and the road surface would likely need to be resurfaced.
The BBC has contacted Surrey Police for comment.
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On October 22, a reporter from China News Service met with the cast of the National Center for the Performing Arts’ production of the classic comedy “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” which is set to hit the stage again after its debut in late May of this year. Various media outlets were granted access to the rehearsal hall, where the cast is currently immersed in intense preparations.

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” marks the first time that the National Center for the Performing Arts has brought the work of Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni to life on stage. The production is directed by renowned director Wang Jiannan, working alongside the theater’s talented ensemble cast.

In comparing this new run to the first, Wang Jiannan shared insights about the adjustments and highlights. “For this revival, we’ve made some changes in character roles and have incorporated valuable feedback from the audience after the initial performances, making the play feel even more fluid and cohesive,” he explained. He emphasized that during this rehearsal period, the actors have been introspective, exploring their characters’ connections to themselves and aiming to deliver an enhanced viewing experience.

The enthusiastic servant Tufatino, who juggles two jobs and constantly finds himself in comical mishaps, is once again played by Dong Wenliang. His portrayal captures the charm and cleverness of the character, effortlessly navigating both the trials of the workplace and the ups and downs of romance.

Returning cast members Yang Qi, Guo Shuo Jie, Xu Zi Xuan, Zhang Xue Wen, Wang Yi Qing, Yao Yu, and Ma Qing Long reprise their roles as the confident Beatrice, the love-stricken Florindo, the complicated couple Clarice and Silvio, the passionate maid Malatina, the articulate law scholar Lombardi, and the clever yet kind innkeeper Brighella. They aim to showcase a deeper understanding of their characters in this upcoming run. Actor Qu Ning steps into the role of the wealthy businessman Bandaroni, and audiences are eager to see how he will inject fresh vitality into this character.

The performances of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” will take place from October 29 to November 3 at the National Center for the Performing Arts.

In recent weeks, the pharmaceutical sector in China has been shaken by a series of high-profile corruption investigations, with numerous officials, including hospital directors and party secretaries, being scrutinized and some voluntarily reporting to authorities.

According to the Henan Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision, as of October 21, Chen Jianguo, the former Party Secretary of Xinxiang Medical College, is currently under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law. Born in August 1962, Chen has held various prominent positions, including Secretary of the Party Committee at Xinxiang Medical College’s First Affiliated Hospital and President of Xuchang University. He assumed the role of Party Secretary at Xinxiang Medical College in September 2017.

Chen has faced disciplinary action before. Reports indicate that during his tenure at Xuchang University from 2014 to 2015, he orchestrated the purchase of 11 cases of Moutai liquor for official receptions, disguised as reimbursements for office supplies. Furthermore, from March 2013 to March 2016, the university rented two 2.0T Passat cars for Chen and his associates. In February 2020, he received a serious warning from the party for his violations, and any illicit gains were confiscated.

In 2024, the anti-corruption campaign in the pharmaceutical sector remains relentless. As of October 23, more than 280 key figures within the healthcare system have been investigated this year alone, including over 20 high-ranking officials. Notable among them are Wei Xinga, Secretary of the Health Commission in Heilongjiang, and Ge Yang, former Vice Chairman of the CPPCC in Fuyang, Anhui, and former president of the Fuyang Second People’s Hospital.

Moreover, numerous hospital leaders are under investigation, with at least ten hospital directors or secretaries announced as under scrutiny in October alone, three of whom are from tier-one hospitals. For instance, on October 21, it was reported that Yan Jiafu, Party Secretary of the People’s Hospital in Longmatan District, Luzhou, Sichuan, is facing serious allegations of corruption and is undergoing an inspection by the local discipline inspection authority.

Additionally, on October 17, both Ma Kezhong, a member of the Party Committee and Vice President of the Zhongyang Hospital in Xiangyang City, and Cai Gang, former Executive Vice President of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, were also announced as under investigation. The following day, the Hainan Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection disclosed information about Zheng Wuping, a member of the Party Committee and Vice President of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, who voluntarily reported for serious violations.

In addition to Zheng, recent investigations have also revealed cases of self-reported corruption among figures in the healthcare sector, including Xiang Erfu, the former Party Secretary and Director of the Cancer Hospital in Xiangxi, Hunan, and Lin Yuanjun, actual controller of Yunnan Jingxing Pharmaceutical Group.

Various local commissions have recently disclosed typical cases of misconduct and corruption. On October 22, the Guangxi Discipline Inspection Commission reported that from 2005 to 2021, Li Mingqiang, former Party Secretary and Director of the Liuzhou Center for Disease Control, misused his position to facilitate the procurement of lab equipment and medical supplies for private businessmen, receiving substantial kickbacks in return.

Also, on October 21, the Hunan Provincial Commission detailed ten typical cases of corruption linked to bidding processes, including a case involving Yin Yuying, former Party Secretary and Chairman of the CPPCC in Huaihua, who intervened in medical equipment procurement projects from 2015 to 2023 and received extensive financial benefits in exchange for his assistance.

With the ongoing campaign against corruption in the pharmaceutical sector, scrutiny over transactional corrupt practices in medical procurement has intensified. On October 11, the State Administration for Market Regulation released a draft guideline for pharmaceutical companies to prevent risks associated with commercial bribery, detailing measures to identify and mitigate risks in nine categories of activities, including academic visits and the provision of medical devices.

These new regulations explicitly prohibit pharmaceutical companies from assigning sales targets to representatives and from evading procurement processes under the guise of donations, setting a clear framework aimed at establishing a comprehensive compliance system within the industry.

BBCSix council areas in Scotland have no dentists accepting new NHS patientsSix Scottish council areas are “dental deserts” with no practices able to take on new adult NHS patients within three months, BBC News research has found.
Just one in every four dental practices in Scotland said they could offer NHS appointments to new patients within that timeframe.
The British Dental Association in Scotland said patient access issues are now a national problem and many dentists cannot afford to do NHS work.
The Scottish government said it recognised the challenges, particularly in rural areas, but that it continued to provide financial support to support NHS treatment.

On October 25, Lin Jianxiong, a resident from Matsu, applied for and received the “Fuma Tongchengtong” financial card at the Fujian Strait Bank’s Fuzhou Minjiang branch, which caters specifically to Taiwanese individuals and enterprises. “This small card brings us a lot of convenience and quick services,” he remarked.

That day marked the launch of the “Fuma Tongchengtong” financial card, allowing residents from Matsu to obtain it through a one-stop service at either the Fujian Strait Bank’s Fuzhou Minjiang branch or the Fuzhou Guangda branch. Additionally, they can apply for the card at service points located at Huangqi Pier and Langqi Pier or through online channels.

The initiative to support deeper integration and development between Fuzhou and Matsu was emphasized in the opinion released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council in September last year. This plan aimed to create a “shared living circle” between Fuzhou and Matsu.

In March of this year, Fuzhou officially launched the “Fuma Tongchengtong” card for residents from Matsu, which provides various benefits in areas like transportation, tourism, education, and housing. In May, Fuzhou announced ten additional measures to further enhance the “shared living circle,” making it easier for residents to apply for the card, while also expanding online application channels and promoting equal access to basic public services.

Lin Jianxiong, who has lived and worked in Fuzhou for ten years in the textile export trade, stated, “Fuzhou is just a river away from Matsu, and we share the same language and climate, making travel very convenient.” He added that previously, the “Fuma Tongchengtong” card allowed him to benefit from discounts on public transport, and now it provides him with easier access to loans.

Chen Yan, the General Manager of the Retail Finance Department at Fujian Strait Bank, explained that in addition to the original benefits of the “Fuma Tongchengtong” card, the newly launched financial card includes enhanced financial services. This encompasses a comprehensive suite of offerings such as wealth management, personal loans, New Taiwan Dollar exchanges, salary remittances, transfers and withdrawals, utility payments, online payments, and cardholder benefits. These features aim to help Matsu residents integrate better into the “shared living circle” and enjoy the conveniences brought by technological advancements.

In an exclusive interview, former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney expressed her hopes for rebuilding the Republican Party after Donald Trump exits the political arena. She isn’t alone in this sentiment; former Utah Senator and presidential nominee Mitt Romney shares a similar vision.

Larry Hogan, the former governor of Maryland who is currently running for a U.S. Senate seat in a Trump-led GOP, emphasized his belief that a post-Trump Republican Party is possible. “Many people are frustrated with the party’s current direction, and some have thrown in the towel,” Hogan told us. “We need to stand up and reclaim the Republican Party, steering it back toward a broader, more inclusive vision—think Reagan’s party—that can win elections again.”

Michael Steele, the former chair of the Republican National Committee and now an MSNBC host, advocated for more radical measures. “We need to dismantle this chaotic party structure and restore rationality to it; otherwise, something completely different will emerge,” Steele asserted. He pointed out that Hogan could play a pivotal role in whatever unfolds, citing other key figures who have resisted the Trump influence, including Cheney, former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and Joe Walsh. “We’ve been sidelined, but we’ll have a voice in what happens on November 6,” he added, referring to the day after the upcoming election where Trump will face Kamala Harris.

The outcome of that election will be consequential. If Trump wins, the future of the party remains uncertain. If he loses, the more traditional Republicans, often labeled as “never Trumpers,” may attempt to reclaim their party. Reed Galen, a co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project and an adviser to George W. Bush and John McCain, has a stark perspective on the challenges ahead. “It might take between six to ten years to definitively shift the MAGA influence in the party,” Galen stated. He noted that 85% of Republican primary voters in the current cycle supported Trump, suggesting a significant challenge for anyone seeking to unseat his faction.

While Galen sees possible erosion of Trump’s influence following a loss, he doubts it will dip below 50%. “Those who identify as diehard or MAGA Republicans aren’t looking to return to the days of John McCain or Mitt Romney,” he explained. He emphasized that the current establishment will need to undertake significant work to address the anti-democratic elements within their ranks. “Based on their track record, I’m not convinced they are willing to do that. They might focus on survival, hoping that this phase burns out on its own.”

Cheney has gone the furthest in her efforts, even campaigning for Harris in key states. Romney has taken a more subdued approach, which some analysts, like Republican strategist Sarah Longwell, label “genuinely insane.” She criticized Romney’s reluctance to endorse Kamala Harris, arguing that the Trump faction’s hold is too significant for such passivity to be effective.

Cheney has even hinted at the potential need to create a new right-wing party, citing the Republican Party’s collaboration with an “unstable” leader. However, this endeavor would be fraught with challenges, especially considering how effectively right-wing donors and advocacy groups capitalized on Trump’s political capital.

Galen described the entrenched nature of far-right forces within the party, including heavyweights like the Heritage Foundation and dark money networks. “These groups have spent decades and billions building their influence. They’re not going to just back off and let the establishment reclaim its party,” he noted.

Emerging leaders like Ohio Senator J.D. Vance are also navigating this tricky landscape. Though Vance once opposed Trump, he has since aligned himself closely with the former president’s inner circle. “There’s a shared secret among some younger Republicans that they want Trump to lose, not just for the party’s future but so they can launch their own ambitions,” Galen pointed out.

He acknowledged, however, the difficulty these younger figures will face in completely disassociating from Trump. “Even if he loses, they will still struggle to break free from the legacy he leaves behind,” he said, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of this political transformation.

As for the Republican establishment’s fight for reclamation, Galen believes spending time pondering its potential is futile. He characterized Cheney, Hogan, and Romney as “dinosaurs of the Republican Party,” suggesting they are products of a bygone era amid a transformative moment.

Reflecting on a recent debate he participated in, Galen shared a sobering exchange with a young Trump supporter who said, “We killed your party, and we couldn’t be happier about it.” Summarizing his concerns, Galen remarked, “The Republican Party has become a nationalist, nativist entity. All the tenets I grew up valuing—like fiscal responsibility and individual liberty—have vanished.”

KP International Market in Sacramento is kicking off Halloween festivities with several exciting events! On October 27th, from 10 AM to 5 PM, locals are invited to enjoy a free photo booth experience. This is a great opportunity for everyone to capture some memorable Halloween moments.

The Halloween-themed week runs from October 25th to October 31st, inviting visitors to snap selfies and reminisce about their favorite Halloween memories.

On Friday, November 1st, at 6 PM, the KP Food Court will host a free concert featuring the band BIDAN. This five-member group unites traditional Korean music with modern elements and is recognized as the first to showcase the cultural heritage of Korean cuisine and traditional attire, as designated by UNESCO.

Additionally, on Saturday, November 2nd, from 10 AM to 2 PM, there will be another chance to get vaccinated against the flu at no cost, courtesy of the Paul Hom Asian Clinic, located in room #403 of the karaoke venue next door to KP Market.

Later that day, at 4 PM in the KP International Market’s food court, a free concert will celebrate fall, Día de los Muertos, and Halloween. Attendees can enjoy performances of works by Grieg, Gershwin, Beethoven, and the U.S. premiere of “Little Mexican Suite” by composer Nubia Jaime Tanghuan.

KP International Market is located at 10971 Olson Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. For more information, you can call 916-853-8000.

San Francisco’s Japantown has seen a remarkable economic resurgence, with sales tax revenue in the second quarter of this year rising 17% compared to the same period in 2019. This recovery stands in stark contrast to the challenges faced during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many shops were closed and empty storefronts dotted the area.

According to the San Francisco Standard, during the April to June period this year, only two neighborhoods in the city recorded an increase in sales tax: Japantown and Presidio. In contrast, the Tenderloin area experienced a staggering 68% drop in sales tax during the same timeframe.

While the exact reasons behind Japantown’s revitalization remain unclear, business owners point to factors ranging from community-friendly activities to a general sense of safety. Despite this optimism, there’s a lingering anxiety about how long this resurgence will last.

In comparison to the gloom and vacant spaces in other parts of San Francisco, Japantown is bustling with customers, a positive development for local business owners. The area’s convenient public transportation and its buffer against the drug-related issues that affect downtown contribute to its status as a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The unique cultural history of Japantown, along with its retail shops and diverse Asian cuisine, serves as a significant draw. Foot traffic in the mall is steady, a stark contrast to the situation three years ago when the pandemic forced over ten shops to close due to unsustainable costs.

Susie Kagami, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Koho, expressed her concerns that more traditional Japanese retailers are missing out on the recent influx of customers. She hopes to attract genuine Japanese businesses and support Asian American entrepreneurs. Her focus is on fostering education, community building, and dialogue around identity and tradition among Japanese and Japanese Americans.

As the oldest Japantown in the U.S., there are fears among merchants that new development projects could disrupt commercial growth once again. Grace Horikiri, the Director of Community Welfare for Japantown, noted that everyone is still recovering from the pandemic and is now facing the challenge of helping businesses adapt to future changes.

Kagami believes that one key strategy for preserving the soul of Japantown is to encourage young Japanese Americans to integrate into the community and start their own businesses. Kenny Okagaki, a young entrepreneur who opened a store in Japantown in April 2022, shared his childhood dream of being a business owner. He emphasized that the best way to ensure Japantown’s continued success is to support local businesses, join community organizations and basketball leagues, participate in festivals, and volunteer to promote positive growth.