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☆ Climate Action 15: 2024's Leading Innovators for a Sustainable Future
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +40 min

Editor's note: Business Insider's reporters and editors nominated leaders based on insights from past Climate Action honorees, expert sources, and reader submissions. Courtesy of Jayson RicamaraSaudi Arabia, with its hot desert climate and little fresh water, is one of the most difficult farming environments. AdvertisementIyris in October also launched a sustainable-farming pilot in Saudi Arabia with chemical and plastic manufacturers as well as companies including Red Sea Global, a luxury tourism developer. A UN climate panel estimated that harnessing wave energy could supply 20% more electricity than the world produced in 2022. The US is trying to shore up its own mining and manufacturing base to curb China's power, including in battery recycling.

Persons: Derya Baran, Iyris Derya Baran, Jayson Ricamara, Baran, SecondSky, who's, Inna Braverman, Braverman, David Leb, Charles Callaway, Environmental Justice Charles Callaway ., Callaway, Clara, Gretchen Cara Daily, Stanford University Gretchen Cara Daily, Daily, NatCap, Juan Carlos Navarro, Panama Juan Carlos Navarro, Panama Navarro, José Raúl, Haiti —, Navarro, del, Reinhold Gallmetzer, Reinhold, Gallmetzer, Brazil's JBS, packer, Diane Gilpin, Smart Green Shipping Diane Gilpin, Gilpin, Drax, Roberta Tuurraq Glenn, Borade, Savok Glenn, Glenn, Cynthia Houniuhi, Houniuhi, it's, Arvind Kumar, Prasad, Rice, Kumar, Ari Matusiak, Gazur, Matusiak, —, Duncan McIntyre, McIntyre, Altenex, Ozane, Biden, It's, Delta, Liz Ricketts, Charlie Engman Ricketts, Ricketts, Ricketts didn't, Chao Yan, Princeton NuEnergy Chao Yan, Yan Organizations: Iyris, United Arab, King Abdullah University of Science, Technology, Red, Eco, UN, Eco Wave Power, Shell, Environmental Justice, Proctor Academy For Callaway, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Green Institute, Callaway, Natural, Stanford University, Stanford, Facility, Ministry, Environment, Panama's, UNESCO, US State Department, National Association for, Nature, Center, for, Carrefour, Nestlé, Smart Green Shipping, Scottish Enterprise, International Windship Association, Maritime Organization, Union, Alaska Arctic Observatory, National Weather Service, AAOKH, University of Alaska, Pacific Islands, University of, International Court of Justice, United Nations, Prasad Seeds, Labor, Prasad, International Rice Research Institute, Rewiring, Reduction, Communities, Highland Electric, Schools, Highland, Beverly Public Schools, Fortune, Edison International, Louisiana, US Department of Energy, Ozane, White, LNG, Vessel Project, Biden, Department of Energy, Kantamanto, London . Brands, McKinsey, Princeton, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Princeton NuEnergy, Energy, Laboratory, EV Locations: Jayson Ricamara Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Spain, Ukraine, Cherkassy, Israel, Gibraltar, Port of Los Angeles, Porto, Portugal, West Harlem, New York City, Clara Hale, Costa Rica, Belize, China, NatCap, Stanford, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Haiti, Panama City, Brazil, Peru, Brazilian, , Norway's, Barrow, Furness, Alaska, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Utqiaġvik, Fanalei, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Asia, Saharan Africa, India, Philippines, Nepal, Bangladesh, Africa, Hyderabad, South, Southeastern Asia, Subhanpur, Rewiring America, Massachusetts —, Sulphur , Louisiana, Calcasieu, Vessel Project Louisiana, Accra, Ghana, New York, London, Kantamanto, Taiyuan, China's Shanxi, Argonne, South Carolina

CNN —Since September 1, the Ukrainian capital Kyiv has been spared from Russian drone attacks on just one night – October 14. On Saturday night, Ukrainian air defenses detected a record 145 incoming Shahed drones. “We have been doing this for over two years,” he said, but the intensity of drone attacks had peaked over the past two to three months. The drone attacks seem calculated to instil fear rather than cause mass casualties, but several people have been killed in recent weeks. Russian forces already occupy almost all of Luhansk and substantial parts of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson – altogether some 20% of Ukraine.

Persons: Viktoria Kovalchuk, Teo, ” Kovalchuk, Victoria Kovalchuk, Kovalchuk, Maksym, ”, Bridges, Konstantin Usov, don’t, Usov, Yuriy Chumak, Chumak, “, Mariya Troyanivska, Oleksander Syrskyi, Genya Savilov, Konrad Muzyka, Muzyka, Syrskyi, ” Muzyka, Lloyd Austin, Stringer, Reuters Rym, Montaz, Richard Haass, ” Haas, Andrii Sybiha, Donald Trump’s, Trump, JD Vance, Volodymyr Zelensky, hasn’t Organizations: CNN, Ukraine’s, Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 43 Artillery Brigade, Getty, Rochan Consulting, US, Reuters, Carnegie Endowment, International, Kyiv, Russian, Foreign Affairs, Kherson –, NATO Locations: Ukrainian, Kyiv, Ukraine, Europe, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Russian, Donetsk, Dnipro, Pokrovsk, AFP, Kursk, Russia, Toretsk, Washington, Luhansk, Kherson, “, Moscow

☆ Amnesty International warns FIFA of ‘real and predictable human cost’ of awarding 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Amnesty International has urged FIFA to halt the process of awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup until major human rights reforms are announced. “FIFA is implementing thorough bidding processes for the 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup, in line with previous processes for the selection of hosts for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil,” a FIFA spokesperson told CNN. Saudi Arabia is the only nation bidding for the 2034 World Cup. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty ImagesFollowing its investment in several sporting competitions, Saudi Arabia has outlined ambitious plans for the 2034 World Cup. “There will be a real and predictable human cost to awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without obtaining credible guarantees of reform,” Cockburn added.

Persons: “, ”, Yasser Bakhsh, Steve Cockburn, ” Cockburn, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, FIFA ” Organizations: CNN, Amnesty, FIFA, Saudi, Amnesty International, Sport & Rights Alliance, Labour Rights, Human Rights Watch, Saudi Arabia Football Federation, Balkis Press, BBC Sport, ”, Moroccan, Portuguese Football Federation Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Casablanca, Spanish, Moroccan

☆ Russia and Ukraine exchange record numbers of drone strikes
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-10 | by ( Sophie Tanno | Maria Kostenko | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Russia and Ukraine have exchanged record numbers of drone strikes, with Moscow launching a total of 145 drones on Saturday night – the most ever in a single night-time attack of the war. “Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday. Shahed drones are cheap, one-way attack drones. The UAVs were shot down over the Moscow regions of Ramenskoye, Kolomna and Domodedovo, Andrey Vorobyov, governor of Moscow region, said. The previous largest drone attack on Moscow was in September, when Russia said it destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian attack drones.

Persons: “, Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia “, ”, Andrey Vorobyov, Tatyana Makeyeva, ” Vorobyov, Zhukovsky Organizations: CNN, Ukrainian Air Force Command, Air Force, Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian MOD, Getty, TASS, Ukrainian Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Moscow, Russian, Moldova, Belarus, ” Ukraine, Ramenskoye, Stanovoye, AFP, Domodedovo

☆ Blurred vision, shortness of breath, massive bills: Residents near a Georgia chemical plant fire say they’re suffering a month later
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-10 | by ( Holly Yan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

Conyers residents Kisha and Akeno Reid say they have suffered ongoing symptoms since the BioLab fire more than a month ago. Rockdale County issued a shelter-in-place advisory for 90,000 residents, and about 17,000 residents had to evacuate. Peter Zay/Anadolu/Getty Images/FileAbout 15,000 students from Rockdale County Public Schools couldn’t go to school for three weeks and had to learn remotely. The announcement came the same day Rockdale County lifted its nightly shelter-in-place advisory, which lasted for weeks. “The damage is already done.”Like other residents, Smith worries about her property value plummeting and possible long-term hazards to her family.

Persons: ”, Kisha Reid, she’s, haven’t, Akeno, won’t, it’s, Akeno Reid, Holly Yan, –, Reid, “, Mr, Brandy, Conner, Darryl Brown, Alicia, Curtis Compton, Hurricane Laura, Bryan Vasser, Vasser, ” Vasser, they’re, …, Kisha Reid Conner, Hydroxyzine, he’s, “ I’m, ” BioLab, BioLab, Conyers, “ That’s, ” Weeks, Peter Zay, Rockdale County Public Schools couldn’t, Terry Oatts, Reid’s, Ms, ” Ms, KIK, ” Conner, Christine Smith, Smith, ” Smith, defecating, ” Christine Smith, CNN Smith, Weeks Organizations: Georgia CNN, ” CNN, CNN, US Chemical Safety, Hazard Investigation, “, Atlanta –, for Disease Control, Prevention, CDC’s Agency, Toxic Substances, Disease Registry, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, Air, Agency, Getty, Rockdale County Public Schools, KIK Consumer Products, Distribution, U.S . Chemical Safety Board Locations: Conyers, Georgia, Kisha, ”, BioLab, Richfield, Rockdale, Rockdale County, Westlake , Louisiana, Hurricane, Atlanta, Conyers , Georgia, Conyers ’, Anadolu, Texas, Cairo

☆ Private jet usage is way up for 2 reasons
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-10 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Private jet travel has surged in recent years, and two big changes explain why. Meanwhile, more affordable options for on-demand private jets multiplied. Two big factors led to that spike in private flights: The pandemic and a spate of more affordable options for flying private. But soon, private jet travel surged even as commercial flying remained depressed. Meanwhile, fractional ownership of private planes, fly-share services, subscriptions to private jet companies, and other on-demand private flying options have also grown much more popular and made private flying more accessible and affordable.

Persons: —, That's Organizations: Service, NGO Transport, Environment Locations: Nature, New York City, Miami

☆ Ancient DNA reveals surprises about bodies found together in Pompeii
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-09 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Over time, Pompeii was forgotten, and it wasn’t until centuries later that excavations unearthed evidence of the tragic event. Archaeological Park of PompeiiAncient DNA sequenced from bone fragments preserved within the plaster casts at the Pompeii site has upended some long-held assumptions about bodies found together. Other worldsAstronomers have been searching the Kuiper Belt on the edge of our solar system for a hidden ninth planet for more than a decade. CNN/Adobe StockFor years, astronomers have searched the edge of our solar system for evidence of an unseen world called Planet Nine. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world.

Persons: Giuseppe Fiorelli, “, ” Aaron Fowler, Lady Chenet, embalmers, Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt, Jackie Wattles Organizations: CNN, Australian Broadcasting Corp . Local, Chicago’s Field, Adobe, NASA, CNN Space, Science Locations: Beach, Denmark, Western Australia, Antarctica, Colombia, Poland

Hurricane Rafael has turned to the west after lashing Cuba where it knocked out the country’s electrical grid, leaving its 10 million residents in the dark. Rafael will continue to move away from western Cuba on Thursday and will weaken over the central Gulf of Mexico. “On the forecast track, Rafael is expected to move over the southern Gulf of Mexico for the next few days,” the National Hurricane Center said. A man walks through a darkened street due to a blackout after the pass of hurricane Rafael in Havana, on Wednesday. I hope all the power will be restored when the storm is over,” Havana resident Mabel Suarez told Reuters.

Persons: Rafael, Yamil Lage, Mabel Suarez Organizations: National Hurricane Center, Locals, Reuters, ”, The Associated Press Locations: Cuba, Cuban, Artemisa, Key West , Florida, Mexico, “, Havana, AFP, Florida, ” Havana

☆ What the world’s largest tech event told us about the innovations of tomorrow
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

From AI healthcare solutions to groundbreaking mobility and cybersecurity tech, GITEX GLOBAL 2024 showcased innovations and industry shifts set to shape the future digital landscape. Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers, joins a panel discussion at GITEX GLOBAL 2024. Xpeng Aeroht's flying car prototype and Zapata's Airscooter on display at GITEX GLOBAL 2024. Confronting global challengesWith global cybercrime damage projected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, cybersecurity was a hot topic at GITEX GLOBAL 2024. Find out more about GITEX GLOBAL 2024 here.

Persons: GITEX, Hassan Alnaqbi, Denis Ledenkof, Robosculptor, ”, Shameer Khader, Salahaldeen AlMarzooqi, cybersecurity, Cybersecurity, Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, “, ” Todd Conklin, Siyuan Liu, Peng Xiao Organizations: Dubai World Trade, Khazna Data, GITEX, Oracle Health, Precision Medicine, Sanofi, Mobility, Transport Authority, Metro, Department, RTA, UAE Government, UAE, US Department of, Treasury, IoT, Strategy, Nissan Hyper Force Locations: cybersecurity, China

The three remaining ministers of the Free Democrats resigned in response, leading to the downfall of the government coalition. Scholz is expected to lead the country with a minority government, but the opposition is calling for an immediate no-confidence vote. Tobias Schwarz / AFP - Getty Images fileScholz’s left-leaning Social Democrats will now effectively lead a minority government with the remaining coalition partner, the environmentalist Greens. Lindner’s pro-business Free Democrats had rejected tax increases or changes to Germany’s strict self-imposed limits on running up debt. Scholz’s Social Democrats and the Greens wanted to see major state investment and rejected the Free Democrats’ proposals to cut welfare programs.

Persons: Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner, Scholz, Volker Wissing, Lindner, Frank, Walter Steinmeier, ” Scholz, Olaf Scholz, Tobias Schwarz, Friedrich Merz, Merz, “, ”, ” Merz, Achim Wambach, Donald Trump Organizations: Free Democrats, German Finance, AFP, Getty, Social Democrats, Greens, Christian Democrats, German Bundestag, Scholz’s Social Democrats, Leibniz Center for European Economic Research Locations: Berlin, German, Germany, “, Europe

Weeks after sticky black balls washed up on the famed beaches of Sydney, Australia, scientists say they have partly solved the mystery behind the “disgusting” blobs. Initially thought to be tar balls, the golf-ball-size debris turned out to be something much different — a combination of decomposed cooking oils, hair and food waste, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said Wednesday. Balls collected for testing in a laboratory at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. They said preliminary test results indicated that the blobs were tar balls formed when oil comes into contact with debris and water. Sydney Water confirmed there were no issues at the Bondi or Malabar water facilities, while Transport for NSW Maritime reviewed recent weather patterns but found no clear answers, according to the statement.

Persons: “, Balls, Jonathan Beve, ”, William Alexander Donald, Donald, we’re, ” Donald Organizations: New South, New South Wales Environment Protection Authority, University of New, Authorities, University of New South Wales Sydney, NBC News, Sydney Water, Transport, NSW Maritime Locations: Sydney, Australia, New South Wales, University of New South Wales, Bondi, University of New South, Victoria, Malabar

☆ Germany appoints new finance minister as pressure for quick snap elections mounts
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Sophie Kiderlin | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Olaf Scholz, Germany's chancellor, right, speaks with aide Joerg Kukies at the COP27 climate conference at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. Jörg Kukies was appointed as Germany's new finance minister on Thursday, as pressure mounts on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to call for a confidence vote and trigger snap elections after the dissolution of his ruling three-way coalition. Kukies replaces Christian Lindner, whom Scholz sacked on late Wednesday, citing the need to protect Germany from economic damage. Germany's Minister for Digital and Transport Volker Wissing — who was also a party member — said in a statement to the press that he would stay on in his role, but leave the FDP. On Thursday, Steinmeier announced that, in addition to his previous role, Wissing will also take over as justice minister.

Persons: Olaf Scholz, Germany's, Joerg Kukies, Jörg Kukies, Kukies, Christian Lindner, Scholz, Lindner, Lindner's, Frank, Walter Steinmeier, Transport Volker Wissing —, —, Steinmeier, Wissing Organizations: Sharm El Sheikh International Convention, Green, Germany's, Digital, Transport Locations: Sharm, Sharm El, Sheikh, Egypt, Germany

☆ Playing some oil and gas stocks that could get a Trump boost using options
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Traditionally Republicans have been more significant friends of the oil and gas industry. Increasing domestic oil production would theoretically achieve several goals for the new administration: increase domestic economic activity and employment, increase domestic energy security, and lower oil and gas prices. Interestingly, oil and gas production in the United States right now, the world's largest producer, has never been higher, and oil and gas prices, while well above pre-COVID levels, have stabilized. The incoming Trump administration will likely reduce federal regulations on drilling, pipeline development, and environmental protections that limit the expansion of oil and gas projects. This infrastructure investment benefits the oil services industry by enabling more accessible transport and new development projects, which Biden canceled.

Persons: Trump, Kamala Harris's, Biden, YTD We'll Organizations: Republicans, Trump, Keystone XL, Dakota, Schlumberger, Schlumberger Ltd, HAL, CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL Locations: Pennsylvania, United States, North, Halliburton, North America

☆ Toyota posts nearly 20% drop in second-quarter operating profit, missing estimates
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor on Wednesday reported its first quarterly operating profit drop in about two years, as it strives to navigate the market shift toward electric vehicles. Revenue : 11.44 trillion yen vs. 11.41 trillion yen: 11.44 trillion yen vs. 11.41 trillion yen Operating profit: 1.16 trillion yen vs. 1.24 trillion yenThe world's largest automaker by sales volume saw a 20% year-on-year drop in operating profit during the quarter. Net profit attributable to company more than halved to 573.7 billion yen from 1.28 trillion a year ago. "If electric vehicles simply become the only choice, including for our suppliers, those people's jobs would be lost." The company maintained a full-year operating profit of 4.3 trillion yen.

Persons: Akio Toyoda, Toyoda, Suzuki Organizations: Toyota, Toyota Motor, LSEG ., Reuters, National, Traffic Safety Administration, Japan's Transport, Ministry of Land, Transport, Honda, Yamaha Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Infrastructure, Tourism

☆ Trump vow on new trade war sends shockwaves through supply chain, importers scramble to move up orders
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The global tariff threat is fueling calls for frontloading from all around the globe," he said. But they added it is based on the belief is tariffs increase the costs of trade, in turn lowering demand and volumes. "Shipping is a global industry feeding on international trade, so another Trump presidency is a step in the wrong direction," said Sand. "The knee-jerk reaction from U.S. shippers will be to frontload imports before Trump is able to impose his new tariffs." Logistics companies serving the Mexico to U.S. cross-border trade tell CNBC new Trump tariffs can have a negative impact on historic cross-border truck trade.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Paul Brashier, Brashier, Swift, Ben Slupecki, Morningstar, Lars Jensen, Jensen, Peter Sand, Slupecki, Jefferies, Omar Nokta, Robert Lighthizer, Piper Sandler, Matthew Rubel, USTR, Obama, Peter Boockvar, Stephen Lamar, Lamar, Matthew Shay, Elect Trump Organizations: ITS Logistics, Trump, frontloading, Trucking, Hunt Transport Services, Schneider National, Norfolk Southern, CSX, Republican, U.S ., Maersk, . Shipping, Vespucci, CNBC, Shipping, U.S . Trade, Committee, Trade, White, Bleakley Financial, American Apparel and Footwear Association, National Retail Federation, Congress, Biden, Logistics Locations: United States, U.S, Maersk, East Coast, Mexico

☆ ‘Poignant’ postcard from excited Titanic passenger up for auction
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Lianne Kolirin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A postcard written by a first-class passenger on the Titanic will go up for auction later this month. Richard William Smith, a British businessman, scrawled a message in pencil to a Mrs Olive Dakin in Norwich, England. The card, written in pencil by Richard William Smith, was sent from Cork, Ireland on April 11 1912. Kindest regards, R.W.S.”Andrew Aldridge is the managing director of Henry Aldridge & Son, a UK auctioneer specializing in Titanic memorabilia, which is selling the item. The gold watch worn by John Jacob Astor IV, a member of the wealthy Astor family, sold for £1.175 million ($1.51 million) – a record for Titanic memorabilia, according to the auction house.

Persons: Richard William Smith, Olive Dakin, Smith, Henry Aldridge, “, Kindest, ” Andrew Aldridge, ”, Mrs Nicholls, ” Aldridge, Mr Smith, John Jacob Astor IV, Astor Organizations: CNN, Son, Queenstown, Cobh –, Henry Aldridge &, White Star Locations: British, Norwich, England, Cork, Ireland, Southampton, New York, Cherbourg, France, Queenstown –, Cobh, Queenstown, Devizes

☆ I loved my 10-day trip to Croatia, but knowing these 6 things could have made it better
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Erin Liam | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Erin LiamI booked my trip to Croatia assuming that daily expenses would be similar to countries like Italy or Hungary. Visiting in off-peak season has its pros and consThe Old Town of Stari Grad was quiet and empty when the author visited in October. On a day trip to the UNESCO Old Town Stari Grad, we were surprised to see most shops closed, with the sign "See you in June 2025!" Watch "Game of Thrones"The author visited Dubrovnik's Old Town, a popular filming location for "Game of Thrones." For example, Cersei's walk of shame scene was filmed at the Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik's Old Town.

Persons: —, Erin Liam Coastal, Erin Liam, Erin Liam Croatia Organizations: Service, Croatian Bureau, Statistics, Krka, UNESCO Old, Stari Locations: Croatia, —, Europe, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Adriatic, Erin, Trogir, Italy, Hungary, Kuna, Denmark, Sweden, Stari Grad, Split, Dubrovnik Krka, Skradin, Krka, Dubrovnik's

☆ 6,000-year-old symbols linked to the world’s oldest writing system
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —Researchers have uncovered links between the precursor to the world’s oldest writing system and the mysterious, intricate designs left behind by engraved cylindrical seals that were rolled across clay tablets about 6,000 years ago. Scholars consider cuneiform the first writing system, and humans used its wedge-shaped characters to inscribe ancient languages such as Sumerian on clay tablets beginning around 3400 BC. The writing system is thought to have originated from Mesopotamia, the region where the world’s earliest known civilization developed that’s now modern-day Iraq. “This gap in the origin story — where do the nonnumerical proto-cuneiform signs come from — was left unresolved,” Johnson said. Correlating seal motifs (left) with proto-cuneiform pictographs could help researchers decipher hundreds of the symbols whose meaning is still unknown.

Persons: ”, Silvia Ferrara, “, ” Ferrara, Ferrara, Kathryn Kelley et, Kathryn Kelley, Kelley, Mattia Cartolano, Eckart Frahm, John M, Musser, Frahm, ” Frahm, J, Cale Johnson, Johnson, —, ” Johnson Organizations: CNN —, University of Bologna, Civilizations, Yale University, Freie Universität Locations: Mesopotamia, Iraq, Uruk, Iran, Turkey, Asia, Eastern, Freie Universität Berlin

Mobile phones in Barcelona issued an alert over “extreme and continued rainfall” on the southern outskirts of the city. Several major roads have been closed due to flooding. Classes were cancelled in Tarragona, a city in southern Catalonia about halfway between Barcelona and Valencia, after a red alert for rains was issued. Meanwhile, in Valencia, the search continued for bodies inside houses and thousands of wrecked cars strewn in the streets, on major roads, and in canals that channelled last week’s deluge into populated areas. Citizens, volunteers and thousands of soldiers and police officers are helping in the gargantuan clean-up effort of mud and debris.

Persons: Oscar Puente Organizations: Spanish, Mobile, Citizens Locations: Spain, Valencia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Puente, Barcelona’s, Tarragona

☆ Lobito Corridor: Angola’s US, Europe-backed railway could change how minerals move in Africa – and globally
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Amy Gunia | Jackelyn Prager | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —In late August, a container vessel sailed out of Angola’s Port of Lobito carrying railway operator Lobito Atlantic Railway’s first shipment of copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the US. That’s about 30 days faster than a road journey, according to Francisco Franca, the CEO of Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR), a consortium of firms that took over operations of the railway in January. The ship took Lobito Atlantic Railways first shipment of copper to the US. “Lobito Corridor is not just a railway line, but is the economic development along the corridor,” said Franca, the CEO of LAR. For companies like his, the benefits of the Lobito Corridor are clear.

Persons: CNN —, Francisco Franca, Franca, LAR, Washington jostle, Emmet Livingstone, Joe Biden, “, David Reekmans, Reekmans, Asia ”, Trump, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, Evelyn Hockstein, Xi Jinping, ”, Wamkele Mene, Décio Catarro Organizations: CNN, Democratic, Lobito Atlantic Railway, Washington, MSC, Lobito Atlantic Railways, Atlantic Railway, Initiative, Benguela Railway, Partnership for Global Infrastructure, Investment, Getty, Port, White House, Reuters, African Continental Free Trade Area, Industry Locations: Angola’s Port, Lobito, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Europe, Kolwezi, Angola, Africa’s, Beijing, Benguela, China, Africa, Washington, AFP, America, Asia, Zambia, Tanzania, Tanzanian

CNN —Incendiary devices that ignited in Germany and the United Kingdom in July were part of a covert Russian operation that aimed to start fires aboard cargo and passenger flights heading to the US and Canada, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday, citing Western security officials. In July, device explosions at DHL logistics hubs in Leipzig, Germany, and Birmingham, UK, kickstarted a race to find the suspects, WSJ reported. When the WSJ asked Russia for comment about the suspected Russian plot, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the allegations. “We have never heard any official accusations” of Russian involvement, adding: “These are traditional unsubstantiated insinuations from the media.”” He said according to WSJ. It was dealt with by staff and the local fire brigade at the time and there were no reports of any injuries or significant damage caused,” the spokesperson said.

Persons: Dmitry Peskov, ”, “ Organizations: CNN, Wall Street, DHL, DHL Express, European Union, ” CNN, NATO Locations: Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Leipzig, Birmingham, Lithuania, North America, Russia, United States, America, Europe, Ukraine

☆ India bus crash: At least 36 dead after overcrowded bus skids into deep gorge
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Story Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Lucknow, India AP —A poorly maintained and overcrowded bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in northern India on Monday, killing at least 36 people and injuring several others, officials said. The bus was carrying around 60 people, and more than 20 have been injured, said Deepak Rawat, a senior state government official. He added that preliminary information suggested that the dilapidated bus skidded before tumbling down a 60 meter- (200-foot-) -deep gorge. In July, at least 18 people died after a double-decker passenger bus collided with a milk truck in Uttar Pradesh state. In May, a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims skidded and rolled into a deep gorge on a mountainous highway in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least 21 people.

Persons: Deepak Rawat, Pushkar Singh, Vineet Pal, Pal Organizations: India AP, Authorities Locations: Lucknow, India, Almora district, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir

☆ Moldova’s pro-Western president wins 2nd term in runoff overshadowed by Russian meddling claims
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference, voter fraud, and intimidation in the European Union candidate country. Today, you have saved Moldova!” Sandu said after claiming victory after midnight. Moldova’s large diaspora, which cast ballots in record numbers of more than 325,000 voted, heavily in favor of Sandu in the runoff. The presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term. But the results of the ballots including Sunday’s vote were overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation.

Persons: — Moldova’s, Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, ” Sandu, Stoianoglo, ”, “, Ursula von der Leyen, you’ve, Stanislav Secrieru, Secrieru, Dorin Recean, Vladislav Culiomza, Silviana Zestrea, Ilan Shor, oligarch, Shor, Father Vasilii, it’s, Cristian Cantir, ” Savlina, Stringer Organizations: Western, European Union, Central Electoral Commission, CEC, Russia Party of Socialists, “, Sunday, Moldovan, Northampton, Reuters, ”, EU, Police, Associated Press, Oakland University, AP, ” Moldovan Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Russia, “ Moldova, Sandu, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Frankfurt, Germany, Liverpool, Soviet, Chisinau, Bucharest, Comrat, Gagauzia, EU, European, Ukraine, Brussels, Moscow

☆ Japan plans automated cargo transport system to relieve shortage of drivers and cut emissions
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Apart from making up for a shrinking labor force and the need to reduce workloads for drivers, the system also will help cut carbon emissions, she said. The plan in Switzerland involves an underground pathway, while the one being planned in London will be a fully automated system running on low-cost linear motors. Japan's shortage of truck drivers is worsening due to laws that took effect earlier this year that limit the amount of overtime drivers can log. The domestic transport capacity stands at about 4.3 billion metric tons, almost all, or more than 91%, by trucks, according to the Japan Trucking Association. As is true in most places, truck drivers have tough jobs requiring them to be on the road for days at a time, work that most jobseekers find unappealing.

Persons: Stanislav Kogiku, it's, Yuri Endo, Endo Organizations: Getty, Japan, Ministry of Land, Transport, Japan Trucking Association, Trucking Association Locations: Shinjuku , Tokyo, Tokyo, Osaka, Infrastructure, Tourism, Japan, Switzerland, Great Britain, London, U.S, United States

☆ Meet the trainees paying $136,000 to become the next generation of airline pilots
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

It has nine intakes of 20 cadets this year for its Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) course that costs £105,500 ($136,000). It acquired another site in Vero Beach, Florida, where UK cadets spend six months of their course. Related Video Why flying is so terrible even though airlines spend billionsBooth says airlines are "very much knocking on our door" as they look to recruit new pilots. Skyborne cadets and British Airways CEO Sean Doyle at this year's Farnborough Airshow. Courtesy of British AirwaysLife at SkyborneWhen a new course starts at Skyborne, cadets move into the academy's accommodation in nearby Cheltenham.

Persons: —, Carla Booth, Booth, Oliver Wyman, Skyborne, Sean Doyle, Vicky Harriss, Libby Roebuck, Roebuck, There's, she's, I've, Harriss, Diamond, Pete Syme, They've Organizations: Business, Service, Gloucestershire, Airline, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Speedbird, Academy, BI, TUI Airways, International Civil Aviation Organization, Airlines, Cadets, Piper, Boeing, Max, Airbus Locations: Florida, India, England, Vero Beach , Florida, America, Farnborough, Skyborne, Cheltenham, TUI

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