South African government says it won’t help 4,000 illegal miners inside a closed mine

 ABC News,

The South African government has stated that it will not assist a group of illegal miners trapped inside a closed mine in the North West province. These miners, believed to number between 350 and 400, have been cut off from basic supplies as part of a police strategy to force them to surface. The operation, called “Vala Umgodi” or “Close the Hole,” aims to stop illegal mining, which remains rampant in the country’s old gold-mining areas. While many of the miners are reportedly suffering from a lack of food and water, the government has refused to send help, calling the miners criminals involved in illegal activities. The government’s decision has sparked criticism from some who argue that the miners’ dire conditions should be addressed.

China uses Philippine resupply trip to call for Manila’s help managing dispute

South China Morning Post,

In a move to de-escalate tensions, China has called for the Philippines to collaborate on managing maritime disputes in the South China Sea. This follows a resupply mission to a Philippine warship grounded at Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the Spratlys. Beijing urged Manila to honor its commitments to jointly manage the situation, emphasizing the importance of working together. The resupply mission was conducted peacefully, without incident, despite ongoing territorial disputes. Both nations have been in conflict over the shoal, with China claiming it as part of its territory, while the Philippines asserts its sovereignty. The growing tensions have raised concerns about potential military confrontations in the resource-rich waters.

Donald Trump nominates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head US Department of Health and Human Services

 Financial Times,

Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic, as head of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, who has been critical of the pharmaceutical industry and government vaccination policies, is expected to oversee the department’s $1.8 trillion budget, which regulates drugs and public health initiatives. His appointment has sparked controversy, with critics concerned about his anti-vaccine stance. However, Trump has praised Kennedy for challenging the pharmaceutical industry’s practices and addressing chronic diseases. Kennedy’s nomination, along with other controversial picks by Trump, is likely to face resistance in the Senate, but the president-elect has hinted at bypassing the confirmation process through recess appointments.

Matt Gaetz would oversee US prisons as AG. He thinks El Salvador’s hardline lockups are a model

 CNN,

Matt Gaetz, President-elect Trump’s pick for US Attorney General, has expressed admiration for El Salvador’s hardline approach to crime control. Gaetz, who visited the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot) in El Salvador, praised the discipline in the country’s prisons, which hold gang leaders and murderers. His visit to the facility, which has drawn criticism from human rights groups, coincides with his nomination to oversee the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Gaetz, who has been a staunch supporter of El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele, suggested that similar policies could be adopted in the US to combat gang violence and improve prison discipline. However, his views have raised concerns about the potential impact on civil rights and prison reforms in the United States.

Trump looks to bypass Senate for polarizing Cabinet picks

The Washington Post,

As Donald Trump continues to make controversial Cabinet appointments, he is pushing to bypass the Senate’s confirmation process by seeking recess appointments. This approach has raised alarms among experts, who argue that it would undermine the constitutional checks and balances system. Trump’s picks, including Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, have drawn criticism due to their polarizing views. The president-elect is seeking to avoid lengthy Senate hearings, arguing that the appointments are necessary for swift action. The move, however, is expected to face significant opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans, who argue it could set a dangerous precedent for executive power.

Human rights groups raise alarm on crackdown by COP29 hosts

BBC News,

Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the Azerbaijani government’s crackdown on environmental activists and political opponents during the ongoing COP29 climate summit. Amnesty International and other groups have reported a significant increase in arrests and suppression of dissent, particularly since Azerbaijan was chosen to host the summit. Activists argue that the government is using the event as an opportunity to “greenwash” its image, despite continuing human rights abuses. The rise in political prisoners, including journalists and environmental campaigners, has sparked calls for a review of the selection process for future COP hosts. Azerbaijan’s government denies these allegations, claiming that no political prisoners exist within the country. However, the situation has prompted criticism from the international community, with calls for stronger safeguards for civil society involvement in global climate discussions.

Georgia lawmaker proposes new gun safety policies after school shooting

 AP News,

Following a deadly school shooting in Georgia, state Senator Emanuel Jones has proposed new gun safety measures, including criminalizing the act of giving children access to firearms and mandating a 10-day waiting period for assault rifle purchases. The proposals, which aim to prevent youth gun deaths, have met with resistance from some Republican lawmakers, particularly regarding the waiting period. However, Jones also introduced measures that have garnered more bipartisan support, such as tax credits for gun storage devices. The proposal follows the shooting at Apalachee High School, where the shooter, a teenager, had been given access to an assault rifle by his father. The lawmaker’s recommendations aim to address gun violence without infringing on the rights of gun owners.