TIKTOK SUED OVER ALLEGED HARM TO CHILDREN More than a dozen states in the US have sued TikTok, accusing the social media platform of helping to drive a mental health crisis among teenagers. A bipartisan group of 14 attorneys general from across the country allege that the company uses addictive features to hook children to the app and that it has intentionally misled the public about the safety of prolonged use. TikTok called the lawsuit “disappointing” and said it believed many of the claims were “inaccurate and misleading”. The platform is already battling a law passed by Congress in April that would ban it from the US, unless Chinese parent company Bytedance agreed to a sale. “TikTok knows that compulsive use of and other harmful effects of its platform are wreaking havoc on the mental health of millions of American children and teenagers,” said the lawsuit filed in New York on Tuesday. 6th October,2024

WAR IN LEBANON Israel's bombing and ground invasion of Lebanon have displaced over a million people. Lebanese relief organizations are struggling to make ends meet and provide for the growing numbers of those in need In a small kitchen in al-Fawar — a village near Sidon, about 40 kilometers (24 miles) south of Beirut, Lebanon — a dozen women of all ages are cooking rice and chicken in large, gas-fueled pots. Among them, and overseeing every detail to ensure everything runs smoothly, is 42-year-old Zainab Jumaa, president of the Zaituna Association for Social Development. The women are preparing meals to serve hundreds of displaced people from southern Lebanon, who were fleeing Israeli airstrikes and are now waiting anxiously for a comforting plate of Palestinian-style mansaf, made of rice, tender chicken, and fried pine nuts. However, Zaituna can only serve food twice a week these days, as the organization's efforts to support displaced people depend on limited day-to-day funding. "We started cooking every day at the beginning of the escalation of the war in September. But this week, unfortunately, we'll only be able to cook once or twice because we don't have many funds," Jumaa told DW. The Lebanese Zaituna organization once focused on social projects in Sidon's Palestinian refugee camp Ein El Hilweh, and now temporarily provides food for an additional 150 displaced families fleeing Israel's war against Hezbollah's militia group in southern Lebanon. One of them is the family of Ghada Al-Ghoul, 44, who fled the bombings to nearby Saida, where she's living together with her five children and 13 other refugees in a $500 (€464) per month apartment. She says she's struggling to buy food because all her money goes toward paying the rent and bills. "I don't know if or when I'll return. It will depend on the outcome of the American elections," she told DW. For Zaituna, each 100-meal batch, feeding up to five people per meal, costs around $450, but low donations limit their efforts. Since 2006, the NGO is being supported by the South Korean nonprofit Nanum Munhwa, but finds it difficult to raise extra funding from other sources. "Our work is much more stressful now, we're working under war conditions, with constant sonic booms from Israeli planes unsettling our volunteers and teachers. The pressure is intense, especially with limited funds to keep cooking daily. But we have the courage, and we're pushing through," Jumaa said. Lack of funding limits support for the displaced Zaituna's financial woes mirror those of many small nongovernmental organizations working amid Israel's war in Lebanon. Since Israel began its military campaigns against the Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in October 2023, more than 3,000 Lebanese have been killed, and over 13,000 wounded, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel's bombings and ground offensive in southern Lebanon have displaced more than 1.2 million people and caused widespread destruction — intensifying strain on a state already in economic crisis. International and local NGOs, alongside private initiatives, have become the primary source of aid for displaced people. Most are now living in temporary shelters like schools, or in rented, often unfurnished homes, but some remain on the streets. Lebanon's economic crisis and the cost of war severely impact especially smaller, less well-funded nonprofits, reducing their ability to meet basic needs unmet by the Lebanese state's emergency response. Josephine Zgheib, 46, president and co-founder of Beity Association, a civic and social organization based in Beirut, told DW that they had turned their hostel in Kfardebian, in the mountainous Kisrawan region north of Beirut, into a shelter for displaced people. The association is primarily self-financed and distributes food, water and clothes, as well as providing psychological support. Their hostel in Kfardebian and five nearby schools provide shelter for a total of about 600 people. "We had a board meeting on September 23, where we decided to open the hostel to help our people," she said. "It's our duty — we can't let them be on the streets, especially as we are knowing that our government is unable to assist them." Funding is never enough, she added, as monthly electricity and generator expenses alone totaled around $900. Other essential supplies like cleaning products and drinking water add another $300 to the bill. Preparing a single hot meal, so Zgheib, costs about $3, but her organization had to reduce the number of days on which they served food to three or four a week due to rising prices. As an alternative, Beity Association has resorted to providing staple foods that displaced people can cook for themselves. Altogether, the nonprofit's total monthly expenditures are beyond $2,000, said Zgheib, which is a heavy financial burden. Giving people a 'sense of community' But even larger NGOs in Lebanon, like the Amel Association, are suffering from the war. With 1,400 staff and 500 volunteers, Amel provides essential support through services like primary health care, education, and women's programs. Due to the war, they have expanded their reach to now also provide emergency aid for displaced people, distributing clothes, hygiene kits, staple foods, and mattresses. Amel's funding primarily comes from international organizations and embassies, with additional support from private donors through campaigns like the online donor network GoFundMe. "In normal times, we focus on health, protection, education, livelihoods, and migrant workers," Daniella Khalil, the protection program coordinator at Amel, told DW. "But war has shifted our priorities to immediate needs, and we've begun integrating our activities to give displaced people a sense of choice and community." Airstrikes in Beirut have damaged five of Amel's centers, forcing the association to rely on mobile units to serve displaced populations, which has increased operational costs due to transportation and field equipment. Lebanon's caretaker environment minister Nasser Yassin recently stated that $250 million per month was needed to provide for the over one million individuals affected by the war so far. The government, local initiatives, and international aid currently are covering only 20% of these costs, he noted. But despite the economic challenges and stress caused by the war, NGO workers and volunteers continue to cope and strive to mitigate the humanitarian crisis. Hanan Sa'aadeh, 34, a teacher at the Zaituna Association who has turned to cooking for displaced people, plans to return to her projects with their pupils soon. "Despite the war, I come to work smiling and don't let my feelings affect the children. I won't say I'm worried. We must remain optimistic and give them energy and hope," she told DW. Nation Station also attracts international volunteers. Arslan, 34, a Franco-Algerian living in Beirut, described the community kitchen as a central hub of solidarity. Lorenzo Marella, 32, an Italian who previously worked with an NGO in Beirut, returned to Lebanon to help, saying "here, at least, you try to do something, stay together, and give strength," despite the frustration and sadness. Khalil from Amel also highlights the emotional burden on the association. "It's been intense for our team — 90% of Amel's staff have been displaced themselves. It's like we're working with people who are essentially ourselves. This has required us to develop group support and find ways to balance their time on the field with time for themselves." 6th October,2024

MARK ZUCKERBERG TAKES OVER Meta co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg is now the second richest person in the world, taking the title from Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos. Mark Zuckerberg takes over Jeff Bezos to become the world’s third-richest person According to Forbes’ report, the Meta owner overtook the title after a strong week of trading for Meta shares, which are up more than 5% this week Meta co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg is now the second richest person in the world, taking the title from Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos. According to Forbes’ report, the Meta owner overtook the title after a strong week of trading for Meta shares, which are up more than 5% this week. Key Facts according to Forbes On Friday, October 4 Forbes reported that the estimated net worth of the Meta co-founder reached $205.4 billion after a $3.9 billion increase on Friday, overtaking Bezo’s net worth of $203.9 billion. Zuckerberg is not far behind Larry Ellison ($208 billion), the second richest person on the real-time billionaires list. However, he is way behind Elon Musk ($264 billion), the number one richest man in the world. Zuckerberg’s net worth coincided with a more than 2% increase in Meta shares, which closed Friday at $595.94 after beginning the week at $567.15. The stocks linked to each of the billionaires’ primary companies all closed up at least 2% Friday, with Tesla shares leading the way with a more than 4% increase ($250.08). Key Background Zuckerberg’s net worth marked a few milestones this week, most notably reaching the $200 billion mark Thursday in what became the first time four billionaires worth $200 billion or more were on the Forbes billionaire list. The jump in net worth also materialized Zuckerberg’s return to the No. 3 spot on the list, after he took the position from LVMH chief Bernard Arnault in August. Zuckerberg’s net worth is rooted within Meta’s performance, as the 40-year-old owns 345 Class A and B shares in the company that make up his approximate 13% stake. Meta shares are up more than 68% since January, when they traded at $346.29. 11th November,2024

TRUMP VOWED TO END THE WARS IN THE MIDDLE EAST It didn't take long for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to welcome Donald Trump's reelection, describing it as "the greatest comeback in history." His far-right coalition ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, tweeted their excitement even before the election was officially called. Netanyahu was "among the first to call" the president-elect, his office said in a statement. "Their conversation was warm and cordial" and the two "agreed to work together for Israel's security, and also discussed the Iranian threat." Trump's victory came just hours after Netanyahu fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who was seen as a key point of contact for the Biden administration in the Israeli government. According to a post-election poll published by the commercial TV Channel 12, 67% of Israelis said they were "pleased with Trump's victory." This sentiment was also palpable on the streets. "We hope that Donald Trump will do great things for our country, also for America. But mainly he has made a lot of promises and if he can keep even half of those promises, there just will be no words," Benaya Koller, a young passerby in Jerusalem, told DW. For some critics of the Netanyahu government, however, Trump's comeback doesn't bode well. "I think for Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, having the kind of Israeli government we have today, the most extreme Israeli government in the history of this country, was kind of an equivalent of winning the Israeli lottery," said Yehuda Shaul, co-founder of Ofek, an Israeli think tank. "Getting Trump into the White House is like they won also the American lottery." During his first term, Trump took several controversial policy steps in support of Israel. In 2017, he recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocated the US embassy there from Tel Aviv, reversing decades of US policy and international opinion on the matter. He also recognized Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 war and illegally annexed in 1981. Trump is also considered to be the architect of the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements that normalized relations with some Arab countries but bypassed the Palestinians and any solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Some analysts believe Trump may push for normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia in his second term. He may also try to revive the so-called Deal of the Century, a plan that envisioned Israel's annexation of all its settlements in the occupied West Bank while granting Palestinians some autonomy in the remaining enclaves. In recent years, however, relations between Netanyahu and Trump have cooled. When Trump lost the 2020 election, he seemed annoyed when Netanyahu congratulated US President Joe Biden on winning the presidency. After the Hamas-led terror attacks on October 7, 2023, Trump criticized Netanyahu for being unprepared, claiming it would not have happened if he was still president. Some analysts have called Netanyahu's relationship with Trump, who is often described as unpredictable, as complex. "I think he's somewhat afraid of Trump. He thinks Trump can manipulate him, but he's afraid that if Trump is onto him, Trump could get very angry as opposed to Biden, who, for some reason, never pressured him back, never pushed back on his manipulations," said Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat in New York 11th November,2024

ACTION ALLIANCE PARTY THROWS WEIGHT The Action Alliance Party (AAP) has declared its support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the upcoming 2024 elections. This announcement was made by AAP’s founder and leader, Namuru Tahiru, during a press conference in Accra. “Dr. Bawumia’s vision for Ghana is closely aligned with our party’s vision. Our action to campaign for Bawumia and his Parliamentary candidates starts today to give the NPP victory come December 7th, 2024,” he said. In their view, amongst all the presidential candidates, it is Dr Bawumia whose policy proposals resonate well with the people and also give bright future for Ghana. Dr Bawumia earlier indicated that a major focus of a Bawumia Presidency would be agriculture, justified by data which indicates about 60% of Ghanaians are engaged in that vital endeavour. Apart from establishing District Agric Mechanization Centres across the country, he said “we will also facilitate the setting up of area-appropriate factories to add value and reduce post-harvest losses arising from a glut in production.” 26th October,2024

MAA LYDIA PRESENTS 10 MOTORBIKES The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has handed over 10 motorbikes to the Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service. The motorbikes are meant to be, in turn, presented to all the police stations in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region. Affectionately called Maa Lydia, the MP, who is also the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has embarked on a number of projects in her constituency. 26th October,2024

CONCERNED SMALL-SCALE MINERS OPTIMISTIC President of the National Association of Concerned Small-Scale Miners of Ghana, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, has assured miners across the country of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) commitment towards encouraging sustainable small-scale mining. The NDC’s campaign in Mankranso and Atwima Nwabiagya districts of the Ashanti Region sought to engage small-scale miners on the party’s manifesto, particularly in addressing the challenges surrounding licensing and documentation in the sector. Michael Kwadwo Peprah whiles addressing the miners highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by small-scale miners in obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally. He pointed out that, many miners, despite following the correct procedures, still struggle with acquiring the required documentation, leading to frustration within the industry. The main issue is licensing and documentation. We know that a lot of miners are doing the right thing but don’t have the documents to prove it. Currently, obtaining a license often means traveling all the way to Accra, which is a significant burden for many,” Peprah said. He endorsed the NDC’s manifesto, which proposes decentralizing the mining licensing process. The party plans to allow miners to obtain licenses at the district level, eliminating the need for long-distance trips to Accra. This change, according to Kwadwo Peprah, will make the licensing process more accessible for small-scale miners across the country. “The NDC promises to bring the licensing process to the district level. This will make it easier for miners to obtain the necessary permits without the hassle of traveling to Accra. We will also bring in technocrats who will help monitor operations to ensure sustainable mining practices,” he added. Peprah emphasized that the NDC is not opposed to small-scale mining, but is firmly against mining activities that cause environmental degradation, such as the destruction of forests and water bodies. He assured miners that the NDC would support them if they followed proper guidelines for sustainable mining. “The NDC is not against mining. In fact, it was the NDC that legalized small-scale mining in this country. What we are against is illegal mining that destroys our environment. We will support you to ensure that your operations are sustainable and beneficial to both you and the nation.” He called on the miners to support the NDC in the upcoming elections, praising the party’s manifesto as the best solution for the challenges faced by small-scale miners. “We need to tell our families and fellow miners that the NDC’s manifesto addresses our key issues and provides a clear path towards a better future for small-scale mining in Ghana.” NDC Clarifies Stance on Small-Scale Mining Samuel Hadjor, a member of the NDC’s national campaign team, dismissed rumors spread by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the NDC plans to collapse the small-scale mining sector if elected to office. He clarified the party’s position on regulating mining activities. “The NDC has never said that we will ban small-scale mining when we win the 2024 elections. What we are saying is that we will regulate small-scale mining activities and train miners with technical skills to ensure responsible operations that do not destroy the environment and water bodies. The NDC is only against mining in water bodies. So, when the NPP says that the NDC will ban small-scale mining, tell them it is not true,” Hadjor clarified 26th October,2024

EFFECTS OF GALAMSEY ON WATER BODIES Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) churches in Ghana have joined the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey. On Saturday, October 26, 2024, all SDA churches across southern Ghana dedicated the day to reflect on the destructive practice of galamsey, sounding a clarion call for an immediate halt to the illicit activities. The stewardship of the earth, which God entrusted to Adam and Eve, still belongs to their descendants. We who inhabit the planet are responsible for its care. God provides but holds us responsible for maintaining what He has provided.” “In the final judgement, ‘the destroyers of the earth’ will be destroyed,” the church highlighted in a statement. According to the church, preserving the environment for future generations must be of a great concern for all citizens – “not few individuals who seek to enrich themselves through land degradation and forest destruction.” When we talk about galamsey, we are actually talking about an illegality. We are talking about people who treat the country with contempt,” an elder of the Legon SDA church said. Themed ‘Creation Sabbath,’ the Southern Ghana Union Conference of SDA directed all churches to deliver campaigns on the message – Protecting God’s Creation: United Against Galamsey. This comes after the Executive Secretary of the Northern Ghana Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Edward Nyarkoh, said the church can no longer baptise new converts in streams in areas affected by illegal mining because of increasing turbidity levels in water bodies across the country. He noted that churches are now forced to construct baptisteries for new converts because the church can no longer conduct baptismal services in rivers Galamsey has come to destroy all the water bodies. So, it’s also affecting our baptism. Previously, we were baptising in rivers. But nowadays, all the water bodies are contaminated.” Therefore, that has resulted in this church building [baptisteries] so that all those who would be baptized; pastors who are officiating would not be contaminated,” he said. Since 1991, the SDA worldwide has designated the fourth Saturday in October as Creation Sabbath in celebration of God’s creative power and His continued involvement in and care for human life. This year, the church in Ghana recognised the urgent need to speak against galamsey, asking all to honour God and His creation. “We are stewards of this world and should do everything to maintain life on all levels by keeping the ecological balance intact 26th October,2024