Samsung Kicks Off Black Friday Early: Get the Galaxy S24 FE for just $249, down from $649, with instant savings and trade-in deals available!

 

Black Friday weekend is still a few weeks away, and you might be waiting to kick off your holiday shopping until then. However, several websites have already started rolling out discounts and bundle deals in anticipation of the big savings weekend.

On its official website, Samsung is offering the new Galaxy S24 FE for $499 (down from $649) for the 128 GB model and $559 (down from $709) for the 256 GB version, with instant savings of $150 on each. If you trade in your old phone, you could receive up to $400 in trade-in credit. Plus, you'll have the chance to get 72% off the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. With the trade-in offer, the Galaxy S24 FE's price drops to just $249 for the 128 GB model, a significant reduction from its original price of $649.

On top of that, you can get 1.5% cashback with Samsung Rewards.

        Maximize Your Smartphone Experience  

Samsung's latest smartphone features three rear cameras: a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, a 50 MP wide-angle camera, and an 8 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, along with a 10 MP selfie camera on the front. The rear cameras include optical image stabilization to ensure your photos look their best. With so many photography and videography options at your fingertips, you’ll be able to capture every moment just the way you want.

The S24 FE features Galaxy AI, enhanced by the Photo Assistant feature, enabling generative editing options, including a portrait studio that can transform selfies into cartoons, watercolor art, and more. You can also quickly remove unwanted flaws like reflections with editing suggestions.

For gamers, the Exynos 2400 series chipset delivers high performance and stunning graphics, with Ray Tracing technology that simulates real-world lighting effects. Plus, the impressive 4,700 mAh battery ensures you can enjoy long gaming sessions. The gorgeous 6.7-inch screen utilizes an adaptive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, supporting refresh rates of up to 120 Hz for smooth visuals.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is available in various colors, including graphite, gray, mint, and blue. The 128 GB model retails for $649, while the 256 GB version is priced at $709. You can save even more by trading in your old device for up to $400 in credit or by taking advantage of instant savings ($150 off) with this early Black Friday deal on the official website.

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Zelensky claims the war would "finish sooner" with Trump in the presidency.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence that the war with Russia would “end sooner” once Donald Trump assumes the presidency. 

Following Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, Zelensky mentioned having a “constructive exchange” with him during their phone call. 

While he didn't specify any demands Trump may have made regarding potential talks with Russia, Zelensky noted that he heard nothing from Trump that conflicted with Ukraine's stance.

Trump has repeatedly stated that his top priority is to conclude the war, which started with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, highlighting the strain on U.S. resources due to military aid to Kyiv.

Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a military aid package of $61 billion (£49 billion). The U.S. has been the largest supplier of arms to Ukraine, delivering or committing to send weapons and equipment valued at $55.5 billion (£41.5 billion) between the onset of the war and June 2024, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research organization. 

However, support for arming Ukraine appears to have diminished somewhat domestically since the war began, particularly among Republican voters, whom Trump has effectively wooed. 

During the U.S. election campaign, the former president-turned-president-elect repeatedly claimed he could end the war "in a day," yet he has not revealed how he plans to accomplish this. 

“It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens,” Zelensky stated in an interview with the Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne. He emphasized that Ukraine must "do everything so that this war ends next year, through diplomatic means," as Russian forces continue to make advances on the battlefield.

The front lines have largely stagnated since Ukraine's much-anticipated counteroffensive in 2023, which failed to achieve the sweeping territorial gains anticipated. Russian forces have established fortified positions in the east and southeast, with fighting predominantly occurring in the eastern Donbas region.

On Friday, Russian forces made small advances along the eastern front line, with significant clashes reported near the northeastern city of Kupyansk and in Vuhledar in the southeast, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Moreover, Russian infantry continued a "limited" offensive into the northeastern Kharkiv region from across the border, as cited by Ukrainian military sources.

In an effort to counter Russian advances, Ukrainian forces launched a breakout offensive into Russia's Kursk region over the summer, marking the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II. Zelensky stated that the operation's goal was to divert Russian troops from the front lines in Ukraine, although its effectiveness remains uncertain. Russia has been able to call upon hundreds of thousands of conscripts to strengthen its forces, while Ukraine relies heavily on advanced Western-supplied weaponry.

Analysts suggest that the territory Ukraine holds in Kursk could be a bargaining chip in potential peace talks. Zelensky's "victory plan," revealed last month, indicated that the offensive would continue to avoid creating "buffer zones" within Ukraine.

The renewed focus on a diplomatic solution comes amid worries about growing fatigue regarding the war, both within Ukraine and internationally. However, the specifics of such a solution remain unclear, as Zelensky has consistently rejected any notion of conceding Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which has been under Russian occupation since 2014.

Trump and Zelensky have had a tumultuous relationship; Trump was impeached in 2019 for allegedly pressuring Zelensky to investigate President Joe Biden’s family. Despite their past differences, Trump has claimed to have a good relationship with Zelensky. After their meeting in New York in September, Trump stated that he “learned a lot” and would resolve the war "very quickly."

Democrats have accused Trump of cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming his approach to the war could lead to a surrender for Ukraine that poses risks for all of Europe.

Earlier this week, Russia denied reports of a phone call between Putin and Trump following the latter's election victory, during which Trump allegedly warned against escalating the conflict. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, after speaking with Trump post-election, noted that the incoming U.S. leader had a "more nuanced" perspective on the war than commonly assumed. Scholz faced criticism from Zelensky for a phone call with Putin—the first in nearly two years—despite Scholz’s office asserting he reiterated calls to end the war; Zelensky argued it undermined Putin's isolation.

Musk's new position in Trump's administration is today's frustrating highlight in U.S. politics, and there will likely be many more to come.

 Billionaire Elon Musk has been appointed to head the new Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) under incoming President Donald Trump.

In a social media statement, the US president-elect announced that Musk, along with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, would "dismantle government bureaucracy, reduce excessive regulations, eliminate wasteful spending, and restructure federal agencies."

This role appears to be one Musk has been preparing for through his business leadership and has actively advocated for over the past few months.

However, it is also anticipated that this position will give him significant influence over government policy and the regulatory landscape affecting his businesses.

At a Trump rally in October, Musk expressed his belief that the U.S. government's budget could be reduced by "at least" $2 trillion from its current level of around $6.5 trillion. He has also frequently proposed significantly cutting the number of government employees.

             Vivek RamaswamySen.                    Elizabeth Warren.                                         Elon Musk.

In contrast, Ramaswamy has presented plans to eliminate several federal departments, including the Department of Education, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, and the FBI.

Musk's management style at his own companies may provide insight into what Americans can anticipate from him at Doge.

In October 2022, he acquired the social media platform Twitter, later rebranded as X, in a $44 billion deal. His goal was to eliminate content moderation policies and lift bans on users accused of hate speech and disinformation violations.

Among those reinstated was Trump, who had been banned after the Capitol riot in January 2021 for claiming the 2020 election was rigged against him.

Musk's takeover brought radical changes to the company. He slashed X's workforce from roughly 8,000 to 1,500. In April 2023, he explained to the BBC that his reasoning was, "if the whole ship sinks, then nobody's got a job."

"His approach to efficiency was to let a lot of people go," stated Alex Waddan, a US politics professor at the University of Leicester.

In response to a wave of advertisers leaving due to his relaxed speech policies, Musk also monetized various features of the platform to generate revenue. He turned the blue verification ticks, which previously signified authentic accounts, into a subscription service and linked advertising income for "verified" users to their engagement levels.

However, these changes resulted in some unintended consequences.

In response to backlash, X introduced gold and silver ticks for brands and official accounts to distinguish them from fake ones, effectively making blue ticks a signal that an account is paid for.

Additionally, incentivizing users with a share of advertising revenue has opened the door for bot farms to profit by posting auto-generated content to increase interactions. Musk has claimed his team is continually purging bot accounts.

Critics contend that his changes have amplified hate speech and misinformation, despite Musk's assertions that the platform is politically neutral.

"As a serial entrepreneur, Musk has been relentless in seeking to enhance institutional efficiency within his own companies," says Thomas Gift, a political science professor and director of the Centre on US Politics at University College London.

He notes that while Musk's main focus will be "cutting through the thicket of red tape within the US federal government," his role will also afford him influence in the new administration.

"Although his position in the Department of Government Efficiency will be more informal, there's no doubt that he has Trump's attention—at least for now."

Musk's advocacy for a Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, references a meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, which inspired the name of the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. He has often mentioned both online.

Christopher Phelps, a professor of modern U.S. political history, notes that the name suggests "a nod to crypto deregulation being part of their agenda." Following Trump's election, cryptocurrency prices surged, indicating that the incoming president might promote a more relaxed regulatory environment.

However, Musk's calls for deregulation may also stem from frustrations with his other business ventures: electric vehicle company Tesla and rocket firm SpaceX.

Tesla has faced repeated accusations from the U.S. government of attempting to hinder its workers from unionizing, which can be illegal in certain circumstances.

Musk, who has an estimated net worth of $290 billion (£228 billion), has stated he is "not against all unions," but believes that the auto workers' union "has a track record of destroying productivity so a company can’t compete."

In September, Musk threatened to sue the Federal Aviation Administration over its decision to fine SpaceX $633,000 for alleged licensing violations related to some rocket launches from Cape Canaveral in Florida, accusing the agency of "regulatory overreach."

He has also expressed his ambition to colonize Mars, with SpaceX's Starship program aimed at making this vision a reality. However, in September, he remarked that this goal is only feasible "as long as it is not smothered by bureaucracy," asserting that Doge represents "the only path to extending life beyond Earth."

So, could part of his motivation for taking on this role be linked to his various U.S.-based business interests?

According to Prof. Phelps, Musk "stands to benefit personally from much of the deregulation he advocates," adding, "I think putting a billionaire who runs major corporations in charge of a federal deregulation project is inherently fraught with conflicts of interest."

Prof. Gift agrees, stating, "There’s no doubt that Musk has significant vested interests in the U.S. regulatory landscape due to his numerous business ventures." However, he adds that it is difficult to argue that this is the only factor motivating Musk.

"Musk has taken considerable personal and political risks by supporting Trump, and many of his actions and rhetoric appear to reflect a genuine ideological commitment to the causes he believes in."

Prof. Waddan concurs, saying, "Clearly, he has a vested interest, but it's also possible to sincerely believe that there is too much government regulation and bureaucracy."

   

                       Incentive for loyalty

Musk reportedly donated $200 million (£157 million) to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and made appearances at several of his rallies.

Prof. Phelps characterizes Musk's relationship with Trump as "transactional," noting that the Doge position "affords him significant symbolic power—and possibly the ability to achieve the objectives that matter most to him."

As a South African-born billionaire, Musk is unable to become president due to not being a U.S. citizen by birth, a situation that has frustrated other prominent figures who have ventured into politics.

However, Musk can influence U.S. policy, providing Trump with a sympathetic advisor.

"Trump aims to surround himself with loyalists in his new administration, and Musk has demonstrated unparalleled loyalty since endorsing him," states Prof. Gift. "Musk not only invested heavily in supporting Trump during the campaign but has also become a trusted advisor on a wide range of issues, from technology policy to the conflict in Ukraine."

In an early indication of the influence Musk might gain for his loyalty, he participated in a call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following the election, particularly notable since the war in Ukraine is expected to be a significant foreign policy focus for Trump.

"That's quite extraordinary," remarks Prof. Waddan. "Typically, even major donors wouldn't have that level of access."

Hezbollah states that it has not yet received any official ceasefire proposals.

 

BEIRUT, Nov 11- A spokesperson for Hezbollah stated on Monday that the group has not received any truce proposals concerning Lebanon. This comes as Israel's foreign minister indicated that diplomatic efforts were showing "progress," and Israeli media reported that the cabinet had approved a ceasefire proposal. "As far as I know, nothing official has been communicated to Lebanon or us regarding this matter," said Mohammad Afif, head of Hezbollah's media office, during a news conference in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

"I think we are still in the stage of exploring possibilities and presenting preliminary ideas and proactive discussions, but as of now, there is nothing concrete," he noted. 

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar mentioned on Monday that there has been progress in the ceasefire talks regarding Lebanon, but he emphasized that enforcement is the key factor. "There has been progress," Saar stated during a press conference on Monday, adding, "the main challenge will be enforcing what is agreed upon."

Israel Hayom reported on Sunday that significant advancements have been made in diplomatic negotiations regarding a proposed ceasefire in Lebanon, which would mandate Hezbollah's withdrawal north of the Litani River, prohibiting its military presence near the Israeli border, while the IDF would return to the international border. 

Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel's leading newspaper, similarly reported on Monday that Israel and Lebanon have exchanged drafts via U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, indicating progress in efforts to finalize an agreement.

MARKETS Private prison stocks rise following Trump's appointment of immigration hard-liner Tom Homan.

 Private prison stocks, including Geo Group and CoreCivic, saw an increase on Monday following President-elect Donald Trump's selection of Tom Homan as his "border czar."

At a conservative conference in July, Homan stated that he "will lead the largest deportation force this country has ever seen" when Trump is back in office.

Private prison stocks experienced gains on Monday following President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of immigration hardliner Tom Homan as his "border czar."

In morning trading, shares of Geo Group surged over 7%, while CoreCivic saw an increase of nearly 8%. Homan previously led Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term.

On Sunday, Trump announced on Truth Social that Homan "will oversee the deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin." He will be responsible for security at the southern and northern borders, as well as maritime and aviation security, according to Trump.

At a conservative conference in July, Homan stated that he "will lead the largest deportation operation this country has ever seen" when Trump returns to office.

"In light of Trump's return to the White House, there will be a much stronger support for Geo Group and CXW," Isaac Boltansky, an analyst at BTIG, informed clients in a note on Nov. 6. He noted that a second Trump administration would facilitate contracts with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

"Crucially, they would adopt a much more aggressive approach to border enforcement, which would affect the ICE business segments of these companies," the analyst stated to clients.

Trump selects Rep. Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador.

 

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik as his nominee for UN ambassador.

"I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is a resilient, tough, and intelligent America First advocate," Trump stated, confirming CNN's earlier report that Stefanik was offered the position.

The congresswoman from New York, who ranks fourth among House Republicans, has been a staunch supporter of the president-elect and an influential fundraiser for the GOP.

Stefanik's selection indicates a more confrontational U.S. stance toward the UN. She has often criticized the organization, especially for its stance on Israel, and last month suggested that the Biden administration should consider a “complete reassessment” of U.S. funding for the UN if the Palestinian Authority continues efforts to revoke Israel’s UN membership.

As the House Republican Conference chair, Stefanik has been one of Trump’s most steadfast supporters in Congress for years. Her assertive performance during the 2019 impeachment hearings earned her the title of “Republican star,” as Trump noted at the time. She also rallied behind Trump after his 2020 loss, objecting to the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory in the House and promoting Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud.

However, she wasn’t always one of Trump’s biggest advocates. The New York congresswoman, who became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in 2014, voted against one of his key legislative achievements—the 2017 tax reform. Initially presenting herself as an “independent voice” with a moderate image, she received accolades from former House Speaker Paul Ryan, who described her as a “builder” in a Time magazine piece. She had previously worked for Ryan during Mitt Romney’s 2012 campaign.

Stefanik transitioned from a Trump skeptic—who occasionally criticized him during his 2016 campaign and the early days of his presidency—to a defender, a shift she attributed partly to Trump’s popularity in her upstate New York district.

As Trump pursued the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Stefanik emerged as one of several potential running mates, actively vying for the position. Earlier this year, she expressed to CNN her pride in being a leading surrogate and stated that she would "proudly serve in a future Trump administration."

Stefanik succeeded then-Rep. Liz Cheney as GOP conference chair in May 2021 after Cheney publicly challenged Trump’s election falsehoods. She serves on the Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, among other panels. Last year, she garnered attention for her campaign to hold college leaders accountable for what she perceived as insufficient denunciation of antisemitism during a House hearing on the issue.

On Saturday, Trump announced via social media that he "will not be inviting" Nikki Haley back, who was the UN ambassador during his first administration. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, later ran a contentious primary campaign against Trump before ultimately dropping out and endorsing him months later.

Russia and Ukraine engage in an unprecedented number of drone strikes against each other.

 

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged unprecedented numbers of drone strikes, with Moscow launching 145 drones on Saturday night—the highest number in a single nighttime assault during the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine conducted its largest drone attack on Moscow overnight from Saturday into Sunday.

"Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shahed and other strike drones against Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday.

Shahed drones are cost-effective, one-way attack UAVs designed for autonomous flight; their paths are programmed before launch, allowing them to independently reach their targets.

Zelensky further reported that throughout the week, Russia has deployed over 800 guided aerial bombs, approximately 600 strike drones, and nearly 20 missiles of various types.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian Air Force Command, Russia "attacked Ukraine with a record number of UAVs" on Saturday night. By 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, Ukrainian defenses had shot down 62 of these drones. Additionally, the Air Force Command noted that 67 enemy drones were lost in various regions of Ukraine, while another 10 Russian UAVs exited Ukrainian airspace toward Moldova, Belarus, and Russia.

In response, Ukraine launched its most extensive attack on Moscow since the war began, affecting flights at two airports in the Russian capital. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 34 drones were directed at Moscow. However, all of these UAVs were intercepted by Russian air defenses between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sunday, as confirmed by Andrey Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region, who noted that the drones were shot down over areas including Ramenskoye, Kolomna, and Domodedovo.

Shrapnel from the falling drones ignited fires in two houses in Ramenskoye. A 52-year-old woman sustained injuries from the shrapnel and was hospitalized with burns to her face, neck, and hands, according to Vorobyov, who added that she is currently in intensive care.

The attack on Sunday led to “temporary restrictions” on flights at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports, which serve the Moscow region, starting just after 8 a.m. local time, as reported by Russian state media agency TASS, citing Russia’s federal air transport agency. The restrictions were lifted shortly after 10 a.m. local time.

The previous largest drone attack on Moscow occurred in September, when Russia claimed to have destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian attack drones. That incident resulted in at least one fatality near Moscow, according to Russian authorities. Additionally, three of Moscow’s four airports were closed for over six hours, causing nearly 50 flights to be diverted.

China extends congratulations to Trump, stating that it respects the choice made by the American people.

 

BEIJING, Nov 7- China's President Xi Jinping congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election and called for both countries to discover the "right way to coexist," as impending U.S. tariffs risk reigniting a trade war reminiscent of previous years. Xi stated on Thursday that stable, sound, and sustainable China-U.S. relations benefit both nations, emphasizing that the international community expects the two powers to "respect each other and coexist peacefully."

Xi also emphasized the need for enhanced dialogue to effectively manage differences. Relations between the two nations reached a new low due to conflicts over various issues, including trade, security, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. However, signs of improvement began in November 2023 after Xi and President Joe Biden held a four-hour meeting in California. Trump's victory may reignite concerns from his first term, during which he initiated a contentious trade war with the world's second-largest economy in 2018, eventually reaching a truce just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in January 2020.

The Republican, who has pledged to implement strong tariffs, secured the White House with a decisive victory over Democrat Kamala Harris in Tuesday's election and will assume office in January. Echoing Xi's call for stability, China's commerce ministry expressed its willingness to collaboratively develop healthy economic and trade relations with the United States. In response to questions about the possibility of increased U.S. tariffs during a regular press briefing, a ministry spokesperson stated that China is open to expanding cooperation to benefit both nations, temporarily setting aside any considerations of retaliation.

Xi's congratulatory message to Trump was more restrained compared to his response when Trump first won the election in November 2016. Back then, Xi urged for "greater progress in China-U.S. relations from a new starting point," emphasizing that both economies should take on responsibilities in promoting world peace, stability, and global development. Nevertheless, in an editorial on Wednesday, the state-run China Daily suggested that Trump's second presidency could represent a "new beginning in China-U.S. relations, provided the opportunity is not squandered."

U.S. policies and misconceptions about China have created challenges for their relationship, it noted. "A pragmatic approach to bilateral relations is crucial for addressing the complexities of global challenges," it added. The Biden administration has maintained Trump's trade policies, continuing to target China's state-driven industrial practices. In September, it implemented significant tariff increases on Chinese imports, including 100% duties on electric vehicles, 50% on solar cells, and 25% on steel, aluminum, EV batteries, and key minerals, in an effort to protect strategic American industries. However, Trump's threat of imposing 60% tariffs on U.S. imports of Chinese goods presents significant growth risks for China. These tariffs would be substantially higher than the 7.5% to 25% tariffs imposed during his first term and would come at a particularly vulnerable time for the Chinese economy, which is grappling with a severe property downturn, local government debt, and weak domestic demand.

Volcanic eruption in Indonesia destroys homes and claims the lives of at least 10 individuals.

 

MAUMERE, Indonesia — Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency announced on Monday that a series of volcanic eruptions on the remote island of Flores has resulted in at least 10 fatalities.

The eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which began around midnight, released thick, brown ash rising up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the atmosphere, with hot ash impacting several villages and destroying homes, including a convent for Catholic nuns, according to Firman Yosef, an official at the monitoring post for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki.

He reported that volcanic material was ejected up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the crater, covering nearby villages and towns with significant amounts of debris and prompting residents to evacuate.

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency, stated that rescuers are still searching for additional bodies under the rubble of collapsed homes. All identified victims, including a child, were discovered within a 4-kilometer (2.4 miles) radius of the crater.

He stated that the eruption has impacted at least 10,000 individuals across six villages in Wulanggitang District and four villages in Ile Bura District. Many have sought refuge with relatives, while the local government is preparing schools to serve as temporary shelters.

The country's volcano monitoring agency raised the alert status of the volcano to its highest level and more than doubled the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius after midnight on Monday due to an increase in eruption frequency.

Agusta Palma, head of the Saint Gabriel Foundation, which oversees convents on the predominantly Catholic island, reported that one nun in Hokeng village has died and another is missing. 

“Our nuns fled in panic beneath a shower of volcanic ash in the darkness,” Palma stated.

Photos and videos shared on social media depicted houses in villages like Hokeng buried under tons of volcanic debris, with hot volcanic materials igniting structures.

Lewotobi Laki-laki is one of a pair of stratovolcanoes located in the East Flores district of East Nusa Tenggara province, locally referred to as the husband and wife mountains—“Laki-laki” means man, while its counterpart is Lewotobi Perempuan, or woman.

In January, approximately 6,500 people were evacuated after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki began erupting, releasing thick clouds and prompting the government to close Frans Seda Airport on the island. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or significant damage, but the airport has remained closed since then due to ongoing seismic activity.

During a video conference on Monday, Muhammad Wafid, head of the Geology Agency at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, explained that the character of the eruption on Monday differed from that in January due to a blockage of magma in the crater, which reduced detectable seismic activity while increasing pressure.

“The eruptions that began on Friday were caused by the buildup of hidden energy,” Wafid stated.

This marks Indonesia's second volcanic eruption in as many weeks. On October 27, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, erupted, emitting thick columns of ash multiple times and covering nearby villages with debris, although no casualties were reported.

Lewotobi Laki-laki is one of the 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, an archipelago with a population of 280 million. The country is highly susceptible to earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity due to its location along the "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped network of seismic fault lines surrounding the Pacific Ocean.

Trump aims to reduce his deficit among women, yet he isn't altering the way he discusses them.

 

                                                                             (Photo AP)

GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA— Donald Trump claims he will be the “protector” of women, regardless of their feelings on the matter.

He has campaigned alongside men who use sexist and crude language and has voiced concern about the possibility of wives voting differently from their husbands.

The former Republican president also suggested that Democrat Kamala Harris, who seeks to become the first woman elected to the White House, would become “overwhelmed” and “melt down” when confronted by tough male authoritarian leaders.

In the closing days of his campaign, Trump has maintained a gendered perspective that many critics deem outdated and paternalistic, even as he admits that some of his language has landed him in “so much trouble” with a key demographic of voters.

Trump and some of his notable allies have perpetuated explicit sexism.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, speaking at an event with the Republican nominee, compared Trump to an angry father giving tough love to a “bad little girl” who, in Carlson's view, needed a “vigorous spanking.”

Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point, which is significantly involved in the campaign's get-out-the-vote efforts, has stated that any man who votes against Trump is “not a man.” He also remarked that wives who secretly support Harris “undermine their husbands,” referring to men who likely work tirelessly to ensure their partners can enjoy a comfortable life and support the family.

On Saturday night, Trump chuckled at a crude joke about Harris, just days after a speaker at his Madison Square Garden rally suggested the vice president resembled a prostitute under the control of "pimp handlers." While reiterating his unsubstantiated claim that Harris lied about working at McDonald's in her youth, someone from the audience shouted, "She worked on the corner."

Trump laughed, glanced around, and pointed to a section of the crowd.

“This place is amazing,” he declared to cheers. “Just remember, it’s others saying it, not me.”

Since Harris entered the race in July, Trump has struggled with a significant gender gap. Surveys indicate that women are substantially more likely to support Harris than Trump, with some polls showing a double-digit margin.

This gap could be critical in what both campaigns anticipate will be an extremely close election on Tuesday.

Women typically vote at higher rates than men, comprising 53% of the electorate in 2020, according to AP VoteCast. Among the nearly 67.2 million Americans who have already voted, approximately 53% are women, compared to 44% men, as reported by TargetSmart, a political data firm.

“This isn't the time for them to become overly masculine with their bromance,” said Nikki Haley, who competed against Trump for the GOP nomination this year, in a recent Fox News interview. “Women will vote. They care about how they're spoken to and the issues at hand.”

Despite her willingness to campaign alongside him, Trump has not joined Haley on the campaign trail; she served as U.N. ambassador during his administration.

Trump has been actively seeking the support of men, particularly focusing on younger demographics. His team has dedicated months to engaging with them through a series of interviews on popular male-oriented podcasts and by appearing at football games and mixed martial arts events. The campaign has been characterized by a strong focus on machismo, as showcased when former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan tore off his shirt while taking the stage at the Republican National Convention and again during the Madison Square Garden rally.

The song “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” frequently plays at Trump’s events.

Trump was anticipated to encounter difficulties with women this year, particularly after appointing three justices to the Supreme Court who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, thereby ending the constitutionally protected right to abortion and triggering a wave of restrictions in Republican-led states.

However, his attempts to regain the support of women have often fallen flat.

While speaking on Saturday in Gastonia, North Carolina, at the first of nearly a dozen rallies during the campaign's final weekend, Trump acknowledged the backlash he has received for claiming he would “protect” women as president. Despite this, he continued to assert the statement, insisting that women love him and that he was correct.

“I believe that women need to be protected. Men, children—everyone needs protection. But women, especially in suburban areas, need to feel safe,” he stated. “When you're home alone and a monster who has been released from prison—someone with six charges for murdering six different people—breaks in, I think you'd prefer to have Trump.”

Trump's campaign thinks that emphasizing crime and illegal immigration will resonate with “security moms.” At his rallies, he has shared stories of mothers whose children were killed by individuals living in the country illegally. One such story is that of Alexis Nungaray, whose 12-year-old daughter, Jocelyn, was murdered by two suspected Venezuelan gang members.

The campaign also believes that Trump’s frequent criticism of transgender rights resonates with his audience.

In Salem, Virginia, on Saturday, Trump brought female athletes from Roanoke College to the stage, referencing a transgender woman who had requested but later withdrew her application to join the women’s swimming team.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, defended his stance, stating, “Women deserve a President who will secure our nation’s borders, remove violent criminals from our neighborhoods, and build an economy that helps our families thrive—and that’s exactly what President Trump will do.”

Attendees at his rallies expressed their appreciation for Trump’s promise to be a “protector.”

“I want protection. We all do, right? We don’t want to feel unsafe,” said Kim Saunders, 52, a small business owner from Williamsburg, Virginia. “It’s a scary feeling. So, for me, it feels reassuring to have someone, especially a man, to protect me.”

She admitted she struggles to understand why women would support Harris, but believes men are attracted to Trump because “he is that alpha male. I grew up with a dad who was an alpha male, and I appreciate that.”

Meanwhile, Harris has highlighted Trump’s comments in her speeches and on social media, aiming to address her side of the gender gap. She has appeared on podcasts and conducted interviews specifically focusing on Black men, a demographic that traditionally supports Democrats, where Trump seems to be gaining traction. In a CNN interview on Saturday, she was asked whether she thinks women will make a difference in this election.

“I believe all Americans are going to make the difference. I intend to be a president for all Americans,” she responded.

Trump pushed back against a comment from Mark Cuban, a top Harris supporter, suggesting that Trump does not surround himself with strong, intelligent women. Trump pointed out that he has hired women to lead both his 2016 and 2024 campaigns.

However, while attempting to undermine Harris, the first woman elected as vice president, Trump has frequently resorted to gendered language. “She certainly can’t handle (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or President Xi of China. She’ll get overwhelmed, melt down, and millions of people will die,” he said on Saturday.

That night, he awkwardly reiterated his claim of being the “father of fertilization,” falsely taking credit for a fertility procedure that was briefly banned in Alabama by a state Supreme Court ruling following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

At recent rallies, Trump, who has been found liable for sexual assault and has faced accusations from over two dozen women of sexual misconduct, commented on female supporters in the audience, lamenting that he can no longer call them beautiful.

“You have to be very careful with everything you say. You know, like there are some women who are very beautiful in the audience. I would never say that. If I said they were beautiful, that would be the end of my political career,” Trump stated.