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lucky 8 Alexandria (US), Dec 10 (AP) A Virginia man accused of funnelling tens of thousands of dollars to the Islamic State group was a lonely man looking for a wife and relentlessly targeted by FBI sting operations, a defence lawyer told jurors on Monday, including one undercover operative who pretended to be a willing bride. A jury in US District Court in Alexandria heard opening statements in the terrorism trial of Indian-origin Mohammed Chhipa, 35, of Springfield, Virginia. Prosecutors say he met several times with an undercover FBI operative who gave him hundreds of dollars on multiple occasions in 2021 and 2022, earmarked for a Syrian woman and Islamic State member known as Umm Dujanah. In his opening statement, prosecutor Andrew Dixon said Chhipa took the money on each occasion, converted it to Bitcoin and sent it to accounts in Turkiye, destined for the Islamic State. Dixon said Chhipa sent more than USD 74,000 in similar fashion to accounts in Turkiye, collecting money from willing donors and funnelling it to the Islamic State through Umm Dujanah. Chhipa was particularly interested in sending funds to help women from the Islamic State escape prison camps to which they had been sent after the terrorist group was routed from territory it held in Iraq and Syria, Dixon said. Dixon said Chhipa was well aware that what he was doing was illegal, fleeing the country at one point, only to be forced back to the United States. At one point, he said while under surveillance, “I'm not sure why I'm not in prison.” Chhipa's defence attorney, Zachary Deubler, said the FBI had closely scrutinised Chhipa for years, based largely on advocacy of extremist views on social media. But he said the FBI never came up with a reason to arrest him, even after searching his home in 2019 and finding a cache of Islamic State propaganda. Deubler acknowledged that Chhipa left the country, through Latin America with an ultimate goal of getting to Egypt. The FBI met Chhipa when he returned to the US at Dulles International Airport and questioned him about his activities but never arrested him. Deubler said the government's entrapment efforts intensified, to include a fake bride at one point and a supposed Muslim marriage broker at another. “He was a lonely, sad, inflated man who the government tried to set up,” Deubler said. The trial began with several quirks. Chhipa appeared at trial in a green jumpsuit from the Alexandria jail, where he is being held. He said he did not want to wear civilian clothes, which are typically provided to defendants out of concern that jail outfits will prejudice the jury against a defendant. After a morning break, Chhipa's family refused to stand when the clerk said “all rise” as the judge left the bench, and US District Judge David Novak angrily told the family either to stand or be taken into custody. No arrests were made, even though several family members refused repeated directives from court security officers to stand. Last year, after Chhipa's arrest, prosecutors said Chhipa considers himself to be married to Allison Fluke-Ekren, an American from Kansas who is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Fluke-Ekren pleaded guilty last year to organising and leading the Khatiba Nusaybah, a battalion in the Islamic State in which roughly 100 women and girls learned how to use automatic weapons and detonate grenades and suicide belts. Prosecutors, though, say that the marriage was apparently conducted online and has no legal status in the US. They said Chhipa, a naturalised US citizen originally from India, has been trying to adopt Fluke-Ekren's children. The trial is expected to last about a week. (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas tied its school record for largest halftime lead in a 109-35 win over Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday night. John Calipari's Razorbacks (5-1) led 60-15 at the break, tying Arkansas' 45-point advantage at halftime in a 2009 win over Alcorn State. Arkansas raced to a 12-point lead before the first media timeout and went on a 30-1 run midway through the first half. Razorbacks guard Johnell Davis had scored 10 points by the 7:36 mark of the opening half, which was more than Maryland Eastern Shore (2-7) scored as a team at that point. Freshman Karter Knox scored a game-high 21 points to lead seven Arkansas players in double figures. Davis and Boogie Fland each added 16, Billy Richmond and Zvonimir Ivisic had 14 apiece, D.J. Wagner scored 13 points and Adou Thiero chipped in 11. Arkansas’ 74-point win tied for the third largest margin of victory in school history. Takeaways Maryland Eastern Shore: The Hawks don't have much to look back on as they shot 23% from the field and 15.4% from 3. Arkansas: The Razorbacks have beaten the teams they are supposed to so far in coach Calipari’s first year, but little can be gleaned in a win over Maryland Eastern Shore. Maryland Eastern Shore guard Ralph Martino, Jr. (1) shoots over Arkansas guard Johnell Davis (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. Credit: AP/Michael Woods Key moment Arkansas had no trouble from the opening tip, jumping out to a 15-3 lead. Ivisic hit back-to-back 3-pointers to provide the Razorbacks with a double-digit lead before first media timeout. Key stat The Razorbacks made more 3-pointers (15) than Maryland Eastern Shore made field goals (14). Arkansas also scored 31 points off 19 Hawks turnovers, while the visitors didn’t register a single point of Arkansas’ four giveaways. Up next The Hawks play at Little Rock on Wednesday, and Arkansas plays Illinois in Kansas City on Thanksgiving.By TRÂN NGUYỄN SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. The legislation sponsored by state Attorney General Rob Bonta is necessary to bolster safety for children online, supporters say, but industry officials vow to fight the measure and others like it under the First Amendment. Warning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general, including Bonta, after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year, saying social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. “These companies know the harmful impact their products can have on our children, and they refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer,” Bonta said at a news conference Monday. “Time is up. It’s time we stepped in and demanded change.” State officials haven’t provided details on the bill, but Bonta said the warning labels could pop up once weekly. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use a social media platform, and more than a third say that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center. Parents’ concerns prompted Australia to pass the world’s first law banning social media for children under 16 in November. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the California bill, said Monday. “The attention economy is using our children and their well-being to make money for these California companies.” Lawmakers instead should focus on online safety education and mental health resources, not warning label bills that are “constitutionally unsound,” said Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the tech industry policy group Chamber of Progress. “We strongly suspect that the courts will set them aside as compelled speech,” O’Boyle told The Associated Press. Victoria Hinks’ 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died by suicide four months ago after being “led down dark rabbit holes” on social media that glamorized eating disorders and self-harm. Hinks said the labels would help protect children from companies that turn a blind eye to the harm caused to children’s mental health when they become addicted to social media platforms. “There’s not a bone in my body that doubts social media played a role in leading her to that final, irreversible decision,” Hinks said. “This could be your story.” Related Articles Nation | Refugees, jail breaks, celebration greet fall of Assad Nation | Biden creates Native American boarding school national monument to mark era of forced assimilation Nation | How should the opioid settlements be spent? Those hit hardest often don’t have a say Nation | ‘Polarization’ is Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year Nation | Supreme Court rejects appeal challenging Hawaii gun licensing requirements under Second Amendment Common Sense Media, a sponsor of the bill, said it plans to lobby for similar proposals in other states. California in the past decade has positioned itself as a leader in regulating and fighting the tech industry to bolster online safety for children. The state was the first in 2022 to bar online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. It was one of the states that sued Meta in 2023 and TikTok in October for deliberately designing addictive features that keep kids hooked on their platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed several bills in September to help curb the effects of social media on children, including one to prohibit social media platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to children without parental consent and one to limit or ban students from using smartphones on school campus. Federal lawmakers have held hearings on child online safety and legislation is in the works to force companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The legislation has the support of X owner Elon Musk and the President-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr . Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding.

Article content If you’re a fan of the Trailer Park Boys , you already know that Bubbles (played by Mike Smith) has a longstanding love of music. Recommended Videos Since the mockumentary began in 2001, he’s been strumming a guitar in Nova Scotia’s fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park while helping his pals Julian (John Paul Tremblay) and Ricky (Robb Wells) in their various get-rich-quick hijinks, which has included no shortage of dope peddling and other low-key criminal activity. With 16 seasons of their show under their belt and three feature films, their latest big screen adventure, Trailer Park Boys Presents: Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties , finds Bubbles getting to realize his lifelong ambition to front a band and hit the road as a support act for Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters. “ I always dreamed about having a band and then I got a band,” Bubbles tells Postmedia in an interview. “I put an ad up at the local music store. Twelve people showed up, and seven or eight of them were pure s***, so I was left with the rest.” Featuring Bubbles, Julian, Ricky and Randy (Patrick Roach), the spinoff is the first Trailer Park Boys movie since 2014’s Don’t Legalize It . Bubbles says he was invited to join Thornton after the Oscar-winner saw a viral video of him performing live. “W e played at a penitentiary and I accidentally caused a riot and it was up on the TikTok machine. That’s how Billy’s guy saw it. That’s how we got offered the tour,” Bubbles says. In addition to Thornton, the movie features appearances by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, The Hobbit star Martin Freeman and Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan. Speaking in character on a recent afternoon inside Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern, Bubbles, Julian, Ricky and Randy discussed their long-awaited return to movie theatres, Donald Trump’s recent threat to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, and made their predictions for who’s winning the Stanley Cup this season. Bubbles, you’ve always dreamed about being onstage. What was it like to have this dream come true? Bubbles: It’s been unbelievable ... I ended up on tour over in Europe with Billy Bob Thornton and playing at Abbey Road with Ronnie Wood. It’s like living in a dream, basically. Julian and Ricky, Bubbles gets himself in trouble while on tour and the two of you have to go over to Europe and bail him out. So you’re like the superheroes of this story. Julian: We didn’t wear capes, but we definitely had special powers. Bubbles: What superheroes do you know that are drunk and high? Ricky: High Man Julian: And Drunk Man Bubbles: Well there you are. This isn’t just a movie. Bubbles and the S***rockers also have a full-length album out right now called Longhauler . Tell me about that. Bubbles: It’s 13 songs. It came out last month and it’s the best of Bubbles and the S***rockers. I figured I put out a best-of right away. It’s a real record with real songs. Eddie Kramer produced it; he worked with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin and Rolling Stones ... two Beatles songs ... we recorded it at my studio, Tabby Road. You guys have been around for almost 25 years Why do people keep coming back? Ricky: I don’t know. It’s weird ... but I think there’s a good message in there. We don’t need a lot to be happy. Life can be simple and we look out for our family and friends. So I think there’s a lot of good things about people who live in a trailer park. Julian: We do what we want, we’re not afraid to do what we want and if we end up in jail it’s not a big deal. I guess that’s where we differ from a lot of people because people are afraid of jail. But that’s just a part of life sometimes ... we do what we want any old time. It’s a song. Almost 25 years after you started this thing did you think you’d still be in the trailer park? Ricky: I did not. It was supposed to be six episodes and it turned into this. Julian: We thought it was a miniseries and then it turned into 25 years later. I’m enjoying it. I think it’s a good time. Lots of perks ... We got free tickets to the Leafs game last night and free booze. Ricky: Now you’re on FansOnly. Bubbles: We’re on all the social medias now. Instagram, Grindr... all of them. Ricky you almost get into a fight with The Hobbit’s Martin Freeman in Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties. Did you know you were about to throw hands with Bilbo Baggins? Bubbles: You threatened to shove a fork through his face, Ricky. Ricky: He was giving me the eye ... Lot of people said he started it. Julian: He doesn’t know how to fight. There are a lot of celebrities in this film. Do you guys get starstruck? Julian: For me and Ricky, if you’re a d***head we don’t like you. Ricky: No one’s better than anyone else. The nice thing about those guys, they felt the same way. They weren’t dicks. They were awesome. Bubbles you pissed yourself when you met Ronnie Wood. Bubbles: I still piss myself. Julian: You’re a groupie Bubs ... you’ve been stalking Paul McCartney for 30 years ... Where you going Monday? Bubbles: I’m going to see him in Madrid. Ricky: That’s stalking. Randy, how is it that you still haven’t been able to find a shirt that doesn’t give you an allergic reaction? Randy: I’ve been to the dermatologist. I’ve been to a few and they still haven’t figured it out. My neck isn’t so bad, it’s by breasts that get really rashy. It does get hard in the Canadian winter, but it’s OK. I do have a little bit of padding. Do you guys make any New Year’s Resolutions? Bubbles: My New Year’s resolution is to never make another New Year’s Resolution for the rest of my life. Julian: Basically retire real soon. It’s gotta happen next year. Ricky: I’m going to stop buying government weed, because I’m always disappointed. Randy: I’m going to make sure I don’t let burger coupons expire. Your 25th anniversary is coming up in 2026. How are you celebrating? Ricky: I should get married. Julian: I’ll try and stay out of jail. Donald Trump wants to make Canada the 51st state. What do you say to that? Bubbles: F*** that. Randy: We’ve got provinces don’t we? Ricky: He’s good at numbers. Julian: Not happening. Do you believe in aliens? Bubbles: One billion percent. Julian: Yes. I actually saw a craft about a month ago. Flew right over my trailer. Ricky: I don’t believe in them. Bubbles: You don’t believe in aliens? It’s mathematically impossible that there’s none. Ricky: I sort of agree, but I need to see one. If you were being shipped off to a desert island, what album would you take with you? Bubbles: You better say Longhauler . Julian: I like Iron Maiden, but if you’re on an island maybe some Bob Marley. Ricky: The (Tragically) Hip’s Fully Completely or Up to Here . Randy: Duran Duran’s Hungry Like the Wolf . Who’s winning the Stanley Cup? Bubbles: The Edmonton Oilers. Julian: The Oilers. Ricky: I think there’s a chance the Cup could be coming back to Canada this year. Winnipeg is on fire. The Oilers look good and the Leafs might actually have a chance. They have some great goaltending and defence ... it would be nice. It’s only been since 1993. Like what the f***? Trailer Park Boys Presents: Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties is now playing in theatres. mdaniell@postmedia.comEat Don't miss out on the headlines from Eat. Followed categories will be added to My News. A fast food chain has released a “world first” menu item in Australia that can’t be purchased in any other country. Macca’s just dropped its new summer range which contains three new burgers, two new desserts and a selection of returning favourites. The “world first” collaboration is the introduction of the Cherry Ripe McFlurry, featuring pieces of the iconic Aussie chocolate bar on top of the brand’s ice cream. Customers can choose to have either vanilla or chocolate soft serve. Other new menu items include a trio of burgers featuring pineapple. This includes the Hawaiian BBQ Deluxe, which features a beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese and smoky BBQ sauce. Macca's has dropped its summer menu. Picture: Supplied There is also the Hawaiian McCrispy and Hawaiian McSpicy. Both are chicken burgers. The other dessert item is a Pineapple Sundae. Just like the Cherry Ripe McFlurry, customers can get it with vanilla or chocolate soft serve. Other items on offer are Cheesey Jalapeno Pops, which are back by popular demand, and Frozen Coke Oreo Zero Sugar. The items will be available from November 27. Customers expressed their feelings about the summer menu drop. “Anything with pineapple. OMG yummmmmmm,” one social media user commented. Another said: “Hurry up and get to summer so the Crunchie McFlurry is back!” “Ew not the frozen Oreo coke,” another person added. “I never got to try the pineapple sundae the last time. Might have to give it a go this time! Cherry Ripe McFlurry should be good too,” one person commented. Another social media user said: “I’m having the Oreo frozen coke atm it tastes better than the non frozen version.” It features two desserts, including the 'world first' Cherry Ripe McFlurry. Picture: Supplied A spokesperson for the restaurant said the new menu is intended to bring “tropical vibes”. “There are so many reasons for a Macca’s run this summer,” Amanda Nakad, marketing director for McDonald’s Australia, said. “Whether you’re a Cherry Ripe fan or love a little pineapple on your burger, we’re ready to serve up the tropical summertime vibes with our brand new summer menu, no matter the time of day. “If it’s a post-swim Soft Serve, cheeky late-night Hawaiian BBQ Deluxe or a road trip Drive-Thru, we’re here for it all and usually right around the corner.” It comes just days after Macca’s confirmed to news.com.au there was a “temporary change” to its orange juice blend. It will also sell Frozen Coke Oreo Zero Sugar. Picture: Supplied The Keri Orange Juice previously had no allergy statements. But, from November 27, it has been changed to include the allergens gluten, wheat and soy. “McDonald’s Australia has advised Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia of a temporary change to our Orange Juice blend nationwide from Wednesday November 27, which will contain allergens including gluten, wheat and soy,” a Macca’s spokesperson told news.com.au. “We always encourage customers to check the ingredient and nutrition information on all menu items, which can be can be found on our website.” News.com.au understands the change has come due to a switch up at the manufacturer. Coeliac Australia said despite the allergen, the drink is safe for those on a gluten-free diet. More Coverage Aussies are ‘stocking up’ on this Woolies item Claudia Poposki ‘Ambitious’: Wild way women calling out men Claudia Poposki Originally published as McDonald’s Australia releases a ‘world first’ collaboration More related stories Eat ‘Give me’: Aussie-first item lands at KFC Australia’s biggest fried chicken chain has launched an “Australian first” menu item that garnered praise when it was released in Singapore in 2018. Read more Eat ‘Do we need?’: Woolies name change divides One major supermarket has renamed a popular festive product, causing outrage among some while others weren’t concerned. Read more

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