In what is an apparent effect of intense Chinese regulators’ pressure, Didi Global is now going to delist from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The ride-hailing giant had made the debut at the stock exchange just five months ago. &nbsp;

The company will instead pursue a listing in Hong Kong. It seems to have faced the wrath of Chinese regulators after it ignored a request to put its $4.4 billion US initial public offering (IPO) on hold. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-officials-of-us-china-to-meet-over-rising-incursions-in-taiwan-433522" hreflang="en">Top military officials of US, China to meet over rising incursions in Taiwan</a>

Didi was asked by the regulators to put it on hold until a review of its data practices was being conducted. &nbsp;

On its Weibo account, Didi said, "Following careful research, the company will immediately start delisting on the New York stock exchange and start preparations for listing in Hong Kong." &nbsp;&nbsp;

After Didi ignored the advice, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) ordered app stores to remove 25 of Didi's mobile apps. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-to-vote-on-bill-banning-imports-of-products-from-chinas-xinjiang-433718" hreflang="en">US House to vote on bill banning imports of products from China's Xinjiang</a>

It also directed the company to stop registering new users and cited national security and the public interest for the direction. The firm is still under investigation. &nbsp;

In a separate statement, the company also said that it would organise a shareholder vote at an appropriate time. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what is an apparent effect of intense Chinese regulators’ pressure, Didi Global is now going to delist from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The ride-hailing giant had made the debut at the stock exchange just five months ago.

In what is an apparent effect of intense Chinese regulators’ pressure, Didi Global is now going to delist from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The ride-hailing giant had made the debut at the stock exchange just five months ago. The company will instead pursue a listing in Hong Kong. It seems to have faced the wrath of Chinese regulators after it ignored a request to put its $4.4 billion US initial public offering (IPO) on hold. Also Read: Top military officials of US, China to meet over rising incursions in Taiwan Didi was asked by the regulators to put it on hold until a review of its data practices was being conducted. On its Weibo account, Didi said, "Following careful research, the company will immediately start delisting on the New York stock exchange and start preparations for listing in Hong Kong." After Didi ignored the advice, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) ordered app stores to remove 25 of Didi's mobile apps. Also Read: US House to vote on bill banning imports of products from China's Xinjiang It also directed the company to stop registering new users and cited national security and the public interest for the direction. The firm is still under investigation. In a separate statement, the company also said that it would organise a shareholder vote at an appropriate time. (With inputs from agencies)

Didi to delist from New York Stock Exchange after Chinese regulator pressure

In what can be a treat for several paleontologists, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs have been found for the first time in Italy. &nbsp;

This treasure trove also includes the biggest and most complete skeleton of a dinosaur ever found in the nation. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/kyhytysuka-a-pure-carnivorous-fish-lizard-from-130-million-years-ago-discovered-433422" hreflang="en">Kyhytysuka: A pure carnivorous 'fish lizard' from 130 million years ago discovered</a>

Since the 1990s, isolated dinosaur remains have been discovered in Italy. Now, the palaeontologists have identified a complete group at Villaggio del Pescatore. It is a former limestone quarry, which is near north-eastern port city of Trieste. &nbsp;

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Incidentally that’s exactly what I am working on this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FossilFriday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FossilFriday</a> Antonio, Bruno (picture👇) &amp; all their friends (5+ individuals) are part of a big project which includes Federico Fanti, <a href="https://twitter.com/tetaneuron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tetaneuron</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidEvans_ROM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavidEvans_ROM</a> &amp; others <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dinosaurs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dinosaurs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dinosauri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dinosauri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dinosauriitaliani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dinosauriitaliani</a> 🇮🇹 <a href="https://t.co/yqO3kS0KPm">https://t.co/yqO3kS0KPm</a> <a href="https://t.co/OrCViSOoNS">pic.twitter.com/OrCViSOoNS</a>
— Alessandro Chiarenza (@AAlechiarenza) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAlechiarenza/status/1299352155254665216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The fossils are of the species Tethyshadros insularis. It lived around 80 million years ago and reached up to five metres in length. &nbsp;

Federico Fanti, professor, University of Bologna and leader of a research team, said, “Italy is not known for dinosaurs and, although we had a few lucky strikes in the past, now, we have a whole herd at one dinosaur site.” &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/battle-axe-for-a-tail-scientists-discover-unique-weaponised-dinosaur-433626" hreflang="en">Battle axe for a tail? Scientists discover unique 'weaponised' dinosaur</a>

The research findings of Fanti's team were published in the ‘Scientific Reports’ journal. &nbsp;

In 1996, Villaggio del Pescatore became known for dinosaurs when palaeontologists discovered a dinosaur skeleton, which was named Antonio. It was initially believed to be of a “dwarf species”. Now, Antonio seems to be a young dinosaur, who was part of the herd that died together. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what can be a treat for several paleontologists, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs have been found for the first time in Italy. This treasure trove also includes the biggest and most complete skeleton of a dinosaur ever found in the nation.

In what can be a treat for several paleontologists, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs have been found for the first time in Italy. This treasure trove also includes the biggest and most complete skeleton of a dinosaur ever found in the nation. Also Read | Kyhytysuka: A pure carnivorous 'fish lizard' from 130 million years ago discovered Since the 1990s, isolated dinosaur remains have been discovered in Italy. Now, the palaeontologists have identified a complete group at Villaggio del Pescatore. It is a former limestone quarry, which is near north-eastern port city of Trieste. Incidentally that’s exactly what I am working on this #FossilFriday Antonio, Bruno (picture👇) & all their friends (5+ individuals) are part of a big project which includes Federico Fanti, @tetaneuron, @DavidEvans_ROM & others #Italian #dinosaurs #dinosauri #dinosauriitaliani 🇮🇹 https://t.co/yqO3kS0KPm pic.twitter.com/OrCViSOoNS — Alessandro Chiarenza (@AAlechiarenza) August 28, 2020 × The fossils are of the species Tethyshadros insularis. It lived around 80 million years ago and reached up to five metres in length. Federico Fanti, professor, University of Bologna and leader of a research team, said, “Italy is not known for dinosaurs and, although we had a few lucky strikes in the past, now, we have a whole herd at one dinosaur site.” Also Read: Battle axe for a tail? Scientists discover unique 'weaponised' dinosaur The research findings of Fanti's team were published in the ‘Scientific Reports’ journal. In 1996, Villaggio del Pescatore became known for dinosaurs when palaeontologists discovered a dinosaur skeleton, which was named Antonio. It was initially believed to be of a “dwarf species”. Now, Antonio seems to be a young dinosaur, who was part of the herd that died together. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs found in Italy

If reports are to be believed, foreign Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia can extend their duration of stay to 30 days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seems to have announced the new directive. Earlier, the foreign Umrah pilgrims were allowed to stay for 10 days only, a report by the Saudi Gazette said. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-scare-new-york-records-5-cases-bringing-number-of-new-variant-cases-in-us-to-eight-433665" hreflang="en">Omicron scare: New York records 5 cases, bringing number of new variant cases in US to eight</a>

"Before the travel ban following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, foreign pilgrims were allowed to stay up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia. When the temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims was lifted and the service resumed on November 1, foreign pilgrims were allowed a 10-day stay in the kingdom," the report said. &nbsp;

Earlier, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia had announced that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/with-omicron-reinfection-is-three-times-more-likely-south-african-health-body-433684" hreflang="en">With Omicron, reinfection is three times more likely: South African health body</a>

In a statement on Twitter, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had shared the requirements of vaccination for Umrah pilgrims, who will be "coming from abroad". It has also shared the list of the jabs approved by the Saudi Arabia. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The list says that the pilgrims must have got two shots of Oxford AstraZeneca, Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNtech, SK Bioscience, Vaxzevria, Covishield, Moderna or Spikevax or one dose of Johnson &amp; Johnson. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

If reports are to be believed, foreign Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia can extend their duration of stay to 30 days. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seems to have announced the new directive.

If reports are to be believed, foreign Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia can extend their duration of stay to 30 days. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seems to have announced the new directive. Earlier, the foreign Umrah pilgrims were allowed to stay for 10 days only, a report by the Saudi Gazette said. Also Read | Omicron scare: New York records 5 cases, bringing number of new variant cases in US to eight "Before the travel ban following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, foreign pilgrims were allowed to stay up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia. When the temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims was lifted and the service resumed on November 1, foreign pilgrims were allowed a 10-day stay in the kingdom," the report said. Earlier, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia had announced that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions. Also Read: With Omicron, reinfection is three times more likely: South African health body In a statement on Twitter, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had shared the requirements of vaccination for Umrah pilgrims, who will be "coming from abroad". It has also shared the list of the jabs approved by the Saudi Arabia. The list says that the pilgrims must have got two shots of Oxford AstraZeneca, Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNtech, SK Bioscience, Vaxzevria, Covishield, Moderna or Spikevax or one dose of Johnson & Johnson. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, foreign Umrah pilgrims can stay up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia, says report

US President Joe Biden seems to be highly gaffe-prone as he has done it again. During a menorah lighting celebration at White House for Hanukkah, the president appeared to forget Arab–Israeli history as he got confused between 1967 Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War of 1973. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I have known every prime minister well since Golda Meir, including Golda Meir. And during the Six-Day War, I had an opportunity too — she invited me to come over because I was going to be the liaison between she and the Egyptians about the Suez, and so on and so forth," the president told East Room guests recently. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-arrests-armed-man-outside-un-says-he-wanted-to-get-some-papers-delivered-433687" hreflang="en">Police arrests armed man outside UN, says he wanted to get some papers delivered</a>

During Six-Day War, Biden was only 25 and was studying in second year of law school. At that time, he had not launched his political career. &nbsp;

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During the Six Day War, Biden was a 25 year-old in his second year of law school, where he'd already plagiarized a law review article. <a href="https://t.co/b7HNqhcYZf">https://t.co/b7HNqhcYZf</a>
— Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) <a href="https://twitter.com/Heminator/status/1466501142939062282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The president was recalling a meeting with then-Israeli Prime Minister Meir in 1973 when he was a 30-year-old senator from Delaware, who made his first visit to Israel. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-scare-new-york-records-5-cases-bringing-number-of-new-variant-cases-in-us-to-eight-433665" hreflang="en">Omicron scare: New York records 5 cases, bringing number of new variant cases in US to eight</a>

"She was taking pictures and the press. She looked straight ahead, but, talking to me, she said, 'Why', she said, 'Why do you look so sad?' And I said, and I almost turned and I said, 'Well, Madam Prime Minister,' I said, 'You’ve painted such a dismal picture’," Biden told the crowd. &nbsp;

"She said, 'Oh, no, no, no.' She said, 'Don’t worry. We have a secret weapon in our battle in this area.' And I almost turned again. I said, 'What's that?' She said, 'We have no place else to go’," Biden added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden seems to be highly gaffe-prone as he has done it again. During a menorah lighting celebration at White House for Hanukkah, the president appeared to forget Arab–Israeli history as he got confused between 1967 Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War of 1973.

US President Joe Biden seems to be highly gaffe-prone as he has done it again. During a menorah lighting celebration at White House for Hanukkah, the president appeared to forget Arab–Israeli history as he got confused between 1967 Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War of 1973. "I have known every prime minister well since Golda Meir, including Golda Meir. And during the Six-Day War, I had an opportunity too — she invited me to come over because I was going to be the liaison between she and the Egyptians about the Suez, and so on and so forth," the president told East Room guests recently. Also Read: Police arrests armed man outside UN, says he wanted to get some papers delivered During Six-Day War, Biden was only 25 and was studying in second year of law school. At that time, he had not launched his political career. During the Six Day War, Biden was a 25 year-old in his second year of law school, where he'd already plagiarized a law review article. https://t.co/b7HNqhcYZf — Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) December 2, 2021 × The president was recalling a meeting with then-Israeli Prime Minister Meir in 1973 when he was a 30-year-old senator from Delaware, who made his first visit to Israel. Also Read | Omicron scare: New York records 5 cases, bringing number of new variant cases in US to eight "She was taking pictures and the press. She looked straight ahead, but, talking to me, she said, 'Why', she said, 'Why do you look so sad?' And I said, and I almost turned and I said, 'Well, Madam Prime Minister,' I said, 'You’ve painted such a dismal picture’," Biden told the crowd. "She said, 'Oh, no, no, no.' She said, 'Don’t worry. We have a secret weapon in our battle in this area.' And I almost turned again. I said, 'What's that?' She said, 'We have no place else to go’," Biden added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle

With "security concern" from a "third party" on mind, China has finally suspended a project to set up hybrid energy plants in three islands of Sri Lanka. &nbsp;

This development comes as India has been raising concerns over the location of the project. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mysterious-lp-gas-explosions-across-sri-lanka-president-appoints-committee-to-investigate-433186" hreflang="en">Mysterious LP gas explosions across Sri Lanka; President appoints committee to investigate</a>

Chinese firm Sino Soar Hybrid Technology was awarded the contract to come up with a hybrid renewable energy system in Nagadeepa, Delft and Analthivu islands off the coast of Jaffna in January, as per a report of newsfirst.Lk news website on Thursday. &nbsp;

The three islands are located very close to Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;

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🇨🇳Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, being suspended to build Hybrid Energy system in 3 northern islands 🇱🇰 due to 'security concern' from a third party, has inked a contract with Maldivian gov't on 29 Nov to establish solar power plants at 12 islands in 🇲🇻.<a href="https://t.co/ZhnETZYN6P">https://t.co/ZhnETZYN6P</a>
— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaEmbSL/status/1466074320073998336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet on Wednesday, the Chinese embassy, without naming India, confirmed, "Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, being suspended to build Hybrid Energy system in 3 northern islands Flag of Sri Lanka due to 'security concern' from a third party". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-dark-sri-lanka-faces-nationwide-power-outage-as-govt-looks-to-probe-recent-cuts-433760" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka faces nationwide power outage as govt looks to probe recent cuts</a>

It was a part of the ‘Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project’, which is being implemented by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it said. &nbsp;

The tweet also said the country has instead got a contract to establish solar power plants on&nbsp;12 islands in Maldives. It was signed on November 29. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With "security concern" from a "third party" on mind, China has finally suspended a project to set up hybrid energy plants in three islands of Sri Lanka. This development comes as India has been raising concerns over the location of the project.

With "security concern" from a "third party" on mind, China has finally suspended a project to set up hybrid energy plants in three islands of Sri Lanka. This development comes as India has been raising concerns over the location of the project. Also Read: Mysterious LP gas explosions across Sri Lanka; President appoints committee to investigate Chinese firm Sino Soar Hybrid Technology was awarded the contract to come up with a hybrid renewable energy system in Nagadeepa, Delft and Analthivu islands off the coast of Jaffna in January, as per a report of newsfirst.Lk news website on Thursday. The three islands are located very close to Tamil Nadu. 🇨🇳Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, being suspended to build Hybrid Energy system in 3 northern islands 🇱🇰 due to 'security concern' from a third party, has inked a contract with Maldivian gov't on 29 Nov to establish solar power plants at 12 islands in 🇲🇻.https://t.co/ZhnETZYN6P — Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) December 1, 2021 × In a tweet on Wednesday, the Chinese embassy, without naming India, confirmed, "Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, being suspended to build Hybrid Energy system in 3 northern islands Flag of Sri Lanka due to 'security concern' from a third party". Also Read: Sri Lanka faces nationwide power outage as govt looks to probe recent cuts It was a part of the ‘Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project’, which is being implemented by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it said. The tweet also said the country has instead got a contract to establish solar power plants on 12 islands in Maldives. It was signed on November 29. (With inputs from agencies)

Over security concerns, China suspends power projects in Lankan islands near India

With the conversion of restrooms into gender-neutral on mind, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is asking all schools in the district to adopt a new signage. &nbsp;

Regarded as a "big step for gender equity," the initiative tells the schools to display a sign outside restrooms to inform students, whether male or female, that they may use the restroom, which aligns with their gender identity. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaffe-prone-us-president-joe-biden-now-confuses-six-day-war-with-yom-kippur-battle-433691" hreflang="en">Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle</a>

In a tweet announcing the change, CPS wrote, "We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive. This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff." &nbsp;

The new directive will affect the schoolchildren and the staff. &nbsp;

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ICYMI: We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive. This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff. <a href="https://t.co/4JPBdd1jQy">pic.twitter.com/4JPBdd1jQy</a>
— CPS - Chicago Public Schools (@ChiPubSchools) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiPubSchools/status/1465742664163287052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a video shared on social media, CPS Title IX Officer Camie Pratt said, "All CPS students and staff will have fair and equitable access to bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The signage will "make it clear that all restrooms are open for use by anyone who feels comfortable," said Pratt. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parents-protest-introduction-of-porn-in-schools-seek-boards-resignation-in-us-county-433826" hreflang="en">Parents protest introduction of 'porn in schools', seek board’s resignation in US county</a>

The move is a step to "increase gender equity for all," she said. &nbsp;

An example of signage, which will be displayed at schools, reads, "This is a gender-neutral restroom with multiple stalls. It is open to users of any gender identity or expression." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With the conversion of restrooms into gender-neutral on mind, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is asking all schools in the district to adopt a new signage. Regarded as a "big step for gender equity," the initiative tells the schools to display a sign outside restrooms to inform students, whether male or female, that they may use the restroom, which aligns with their gender identity.

With the conversion of restrooms into gender-neutral on mind, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is asking all schools in the district to adopt a new signage. Regarded as a "big step for gender equity," the initiative tells the schools to display a sign outside restrooms to inform students, whether male or female, that they may use the restroom, which aligns with their gender identity. Also Read: Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle In a tweet announcing the change, CPS wrote, "We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive. This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff." The new directive will affect the schoolchildren and the staff. ICYMI: We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive. This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff. pic.twitter.com/4JPBdd1jQy — CPS - Chicago Public Schools (@ChiPubSchools) November 30, 2021 × In a video shared on social media, CPS Title IX Officer Camie Pratt said, "All CPS students and staff will have fair and equitable access to bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity." The signage will "make it clear that all restrooms are open for use by anyone who feels comfortable," said Pratt. Also Read: Parents protest introduction of 'porn in schools', seek board’s resignation in US county The move is a step to "increase gender equity for all," she said. An example of signage, which will be displayed at schools, reads, "This is a gender-neutral restroom with multiple stalls. It is open to users of any gender identity or expression." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: For gender equity, schools in US district eliminate sex-specific restrooms

If a study is to be believed, pollution caused by different chemicals, such as mercury, chromium, lead and aluminum, seems to have an effect on the sex ratio of babies. &nbsp;

The study examined over 100 possible factors while taking into account entire Swedish population and half the US population. Along with numerous pollutants, poverty indicators have also been linked to sex ratio changes of children born to millions of parents. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-frequent-and-destructive-historical-records-show-a-surge-in-hurricanes-over-the-last-150-years-433667" hreflang="en">More frequent and destructive: Historical records show a surge in hurricanes over the last 150 years</a>

It found that mercury, chromium and aluminum pollution seem to have led to birth of more boys, while lead pollution resulted in rise in the number of girls. &nbsp;

Due to extreme chemical exposures, the farming also affects sex ratio. &nbsp;

The indicators of stress and deprivation measures have also been linked to high changes in sex ratios. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-your-luxury-handbags-and-wallets-are-killings-the-amazon-forests-433405" hreflang="en">Your luxury handbags and wallets are killings the Amazon forests</a>

The factors like weather temperature, season of birth, violent crime rates and unemployment, did not show any relation. &nbsp;

The study does not show cause and effect but only correlations between several factors and sex ratios. The researchers feel more investigation is required to go into the depth of the reasons for these findings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrey Rzhetsky at University of Chicago, who led research, said, “This is a list of suspects to investigate, and all the suspects have some credible evidence, but we’re very far from conviction.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

If a study is to be believed, pollution caused by different chemicals, such as mercury, chromium, lead and aluminum, seems to have an effect on the sex ratio of babies.

If a study is to be believed, pollution caused by different chemicals, such as mercury, chromium, lead and aluminum, seems to have an effect on the sex ratio of babies. The study examined over 100 possible factors while taking into account entire Swedish population and half the US population. Along with numerous pollutants, poverty indicators have also been linked to sex ratio changes of children born to millions of parents. Also Read: More frequent and destructive: Historical records show a surge in hurricanes over the last 150 years It found that mercury, chromium and aluminum pollution seem to have led to birth of more boys, while lead pollution resulted in rise in the number of girls. Due to extreme chemical exposures, the farming also affects sex ratio. The indicators of stress and deprivation measures have also been linked to high changes in sex ratios. Also Read: Your luxury handbags and wallets are killings the Amazon forests The factors like weather temperature, season of birth, violent crime rates and unemployment, did not show any relation. The study does not show cause and effect but only correlations between several factors and sex ratios. The researchers feel more investigation is required to go into the depth of the reasons for these findings. Andrey Rzhetsky at University of Chicago, who led research, said, “This is a list of suspects to investigate, and all the suspects have some credible evidence, but we’re very far from conviction.” (With inputs from agencies)

Chemical pollution affects sex ratio of babies, finds study

In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They’ve doubled down on porn in the schools. They’ve all got to go. Who’s in favour of porn in the schools?," Stacy Langton, a mother in Fairfax County, who confronted the school board over the books in September, told Fox News.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-vaccination-ad-mysteriously-appears-at-nyc-bus-stop-433778" hreflang="en">Anti-vaccination ad mysteriously appears at NYC bus stop</a>

In the protest, several parents could be seen wearing T-shirts, which read, "Mama Grizzly" and "Papa Grizzly" and holding signs like, "No porn in our schools", "Resign FairfaXXX" and others. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We're here because we don’t want any porn in the schools," Angela Boyer, a woman whose daughter graduated from a Fairfax public school, told Fox News. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaffe-prone-us-president-joe-biden-now-confuses-six-day-war-with-yom-kippur-battle-433691" hreflang="en">Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle</a>

It was the first meeting of the school board since the reintroduction of the controversial books. The books are Jonathan Evison’s "Lawn Boy" and Maia Kobabe’s "Gender Queer: A Memoir". &nbsp;

The Fairfax County Public Schools had restored the books after two committees, which consisted of administrators, librarians, parents and students, reviewed them. The panels had claimed the books were not obscene and do not contain pedophilia. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday.

In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday. "They’ve doubled down on porn in the schools. They’ve all got to go. Who’s in favour of porn in the schools?," Stacy Langton, a mother in Fairfax County, who confronted the school board over the books in September, told Fox News. Also Read: Anti-vaccination ad mysteriously appears at NYC bus stop In the protest, several parents could be seen wearing T-shirts, which read, "Mama Grizzly" and "Papa Grizzly" and holding signs like, "No porn in our schools", "Resign FairfaXXX" and others. "We're here because we don’t want any porn in the schools," Angela Boyer, a woman whose daughter graduated from a Fairfax public school, told Fox News. Also Read: Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle It was the first meeting of the school board since the reintroduction of the controversial books. The books are Jonathan Evison’s "Lawn Boy" and Maia Kobabe’s "Gender Queer: A Memoir". The Fairfax County Public Schools had restored the books after two committees, which consisted of administrators, librarians, parents and students, reviewed them. The panels had claimed the books were not obscene and do not contain pedophilia. (With inputs from agencies)

Parents protest introduction of 'porn in schools', seek board’s resignation in US county

At first glance, it looked just like an official New York City public service announcement that listed the Top 10 reasons people should get vaccinated against COVID-19.

But a closer reading revealed that the poster, seen at a B43 bus stop in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, displayed 10 reasons not to get vaccinated. Reason No. 1: “It could kill you.”

The false and blatantly misleading anti-vaccination ad caused an uproar on social media Thursday at a time when city health officials are pushing hard to boost the vaccination rate as a new threat from the omicron variant looms. About 69% of city residents of all ages have been fully vaccinated.

The poster imitated an official vaccination ad released by the city — it used the same font, layout and even the same shade of robin’s egg blue — but conveyed the opposite message.

It directed people to go to Macabim.org, website of a group that described itself as “a dedicated group of doctors, scientists, and activists” who oppose vaccination.

The group — which promotes the use of the drugs hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to treat COVID-19, even though they are not known to treat the disease and have not been federally approved for that purpose — also listed among its members the names of several doctors who have spread misinformation about vaccines.

Transit officials said Thursday that the ad had not been approved by the city or sold by the company that installs ads at its bus stops, JCDecaux North America.

Seth Stein, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Transportation, wrote on Twitter that the anti-vaccination ad was being removed.

“Most likely someone popped open the glass,” he wrote. “Investigation ongoing. Disinformation has no place in our city, or our street furniture.”

JCDecaux North America also said on Twitter it had no knowledge of the anti-vaccination ad, calling it "unwelcome and unauthorized copy.”

At the bottom-right corner of the ad was a phone number purporting to belong to a company called LG Media, which says on its Instagram account that it handles advertising on bus shelters in the Crown Heights and Borough Park sections of Brooklyn.

The company, which also had a smaller, unrelated ad on the bus shelter with a different phone number, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Joseph Hodge, a spokesperson for JCDecaux, said in an email that LG Media was an agency that had purchased advertising space from the company. He added that JCDecaux was investigating the matter.

Hodge also reiterated that the anti-vaccination poster violated “the advertising guidelines” for the bus shelter space, although he did not elaborate on those guidelines or provide details of the company’s review process.

The misleading ad appeared on a busy avenue in Crown Heights lined with businesses that cater to the neighborhood’s large Orthodox Jewish population, including kosher restaurants, groceries and shops selling religious objects.

It was not clear how long it was displayed at the bus shelter, but by 1:15 p.m. Thursday, a maintenance worker who declined to give his name had replaced it with a city-approved poster that urged people to prepare for emergencies.

The bus stop is in the 11213 ZIP code in East Crown Heights, which has a higher rate of COVID cases and deaths than the city overall, according to city health data.

The ZIP code also has one of the lower vaccination rates in the city, with 59.9% of residents having received at least one dose of a vaccine, compared to 69.8% of Brooklyn residents and 77.1% of all New York City residents.

Throughout the summer, as city officials and many Orthodox Jewish leaders advised vaccination, unsubstantiated rumors about the coronavirus’s vaccine’s potential adverse effects spread through some ultra-Orthodox circles.

During the early stages of the pandemic, misinformation campaigns in these communities fueled a resistance to virus-related restrictions.

New York City health officials, worried that low vaccination rates could fuel a resurgence of the virus in some neighborhoods, have spent millions of dollars trying to combat vaccine skepticism.

The city’s health department has partnered with community-based organizations to educate community members, leading to ads like the one that the anti-vaccination poster was meant to mimic.

The poster encouraging vaccination was put up in partnership with the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association, or JOWMA, a group that has been working to combat misinformation about the coronavirus vaccine circulating in Orthodox circles.

Sarah Becker, chair of JOWMA’s COVID-19 task force, said that she was not familiar with Macabim and did not know who had funded the anti-vaccination poster. But she linked it to broader efforts to target the ultra-Orthodox community with anti-vaccine messaging.

“The anti-vaccine movement is a well-funded movement that specifically targets specific groups,” she said. “And among the groups they target are Orthodox Jews.”

Still, Becker found a silver lining in the anti-vaccination poster’s imitation of JOWMA’s pro-vaccination public service announcement.

“It was a pleasant surprise,” she said. “Like, hey, we’re really out there if people are using our ads to flip this. We must be really reaching people.”

At first glance, it looked just like an official New York City public service announcement that listed the Top 10 reasons people should get vaccinated against COVID-19.

At first glance, it looked just like an official New York City public service announcement that listed the Top 10 reasons people should get vaccinated against COVID-19. But a closer reading revealed that the poster, seen at a B43 bus stop in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, displayed 10 reasons not to get vaccinated. Reason No. 1: “It could kill you.” The false and blatantly misleading anti-vaccination ad caused an uproar on social media Thursday at a time when city health officials are pushing hard to boost the vaccination rate as a new threat from the omicron variant looms. About 69% of city residents of all ages have been fully vaccinated. The poster imitated an official vaccination ad released by the city — it used the same font, layout and even the same shade of robin’s egg blue — but conveyed the opposite message. It directed people to go to Macabim.org, website of a group that described itself as “a dedicated group of doctors, scientists, and activists” who oppose vaccination. The group — which promotes the use of the drugs hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to treat COVID-19, even though they are not known to treat the disease and have not been federally approved for that purpose — also listed among its members the names of several doctors who have spread misinformation about vaccines. Transit officials said Thursday that the ad had not been approved by the city or sold by the company that installs ads at its bus stops, JCDecaux North America. Seth Stein, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Transportation, wrote on Twitter that the anti-vaccination ad was being removed. “Most likely someone popped open the glass,” he wrote. “Investigation ongoing. Disinformation has no place in our city, or our street furniture.” JCDecaux North America also said on Twitter it had no knowledge of the anti-vaccination ad, calling it "unwelcome and unauthorized copy.” At the bottom-right corner of the ad was a phone number purporting to belong to a company called LG Media, which says on its Instagram account that it handles advertising on bus shelters in the Crown Heights and Borough Park sections of Brooklyn. The company, which also had a smaller, unrelated ad on the bus shelter with a different phone number, did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Joseph Hodge, a spokesperson for JCDecaux, said in an email that LG Media was an agency that had purchased advertising space from the company. He added that JCDecaux was investigating the matter. Hodge also reiterated that the anti-vaccination poster violated “the advertising guidelines” for the bus shelter space, although he did not elaborate on those guidelines or provide details of the company’s review process. The misleading ad appeared on a busy avenue in Crown Heights lined with businesses that cater to the neighborhood’s large Orthodox Jewish population, including kosher restaurants, groceries and shops selling religious objects. It was not clear how long it was displayed at the bus shelter, but by 1:15 p.m. Thursday, a maintenance worker who declined to give his name had replaced it with a city-approved poster that urged people to prepare for emergencies. The bus stop is in the 11213 ZIP code in East Crown Heights, which has a higher rate of COVID cases and deaths than the city overall, according to city health data. The ZIP code also has one of the lower vaccination rates in the city, with 59.9% of residents having received at least one dose of a vaccine, compared to 69.8% of Brooklyn residents and 77.1% of all New York City residents. Throughout the summer, as city officials and many Orthodox Jewish leaders advised vaccination, unsubstantiated rumors about the coronavirus’s vaccine’s potential adverse effects spread through some ultra-Orthodox circles. During the early stages of the pandemic, misinformation campaigns in these communities fueled a resistance to virus-related restrictions. New York City health officials, worried that low vaccination rates could fuel a resurgence of the virus in some neighborhoods, have spent millions of dollars trying to combat vaccine skepticism. The city’s health department has partnered with community-based organizations to educate community members, leading to ads like the one that the anti-vaccination poster was meant to mimic. The poster encouraging vaccination was put up in partnership with the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association, or JOWMA, a group that has been working to combat misinformation about the coronavirus vaccine circulating in Orthodox circles. Sarah Becker, chair of JOWMA’s COVID-19 task force, said that she was not familiar with Macabim and did not know who had funded the anti-vaccination poster. But she linked it to broader efforts to target the ultra-Orthodox community with anti-vaccine messaging. “The anti-vaccine movement is a well-funded movement that specifically targets specific groups,” she said. “And among the groups they target are Orthodox Jews.” Still, Becker found a silver lining in the anti-vaccination poster’s imitation of JOWMA’s pro-vaccination public service announcement. “It was a pleasant surprise,” she said. “Like, hey, we’re really out there if people are using our ads to flip this. We must be really reaching people.”

Anti-vaccination ad mysteriously appears at NYC bus stop

Sri Lanka is experiencing nationwide power outage on Friday even as the government has vowed to investigate the recent cuts in several parts of the country. &nbsp;

Ministry of Power said that&nbsp;the power disruption is mainly due to a breakdown in transmission lines. Steps are being taken to ensure the restoration of power. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mysterious-lp-gas-explosions-across-sri-lanka-president-appoints-committee-to-investigate-433186" hreflang="en">Mysterious LP gas explosions across Sri Lanka; President appoints committee to investigate</a>

Ceylon Electricity Board general manager has also said the instructions have also been given to deactivate solar power generators till the situation returns back to normalcy. &nbsp;

According to local reports, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) seems to have also launched an investigation into a complaint filed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) over recent power outages. &nbsp;

A special team has also been deployed to probe the incident, said the reports. &nbsp;

The investigation has also begun as the teams have also started visiting the relevant places and recording statements. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blame-game-on-contaminated-fertiliser-continues-sri-lanka-govt-backtracks-on-greener-agriculture-move-431161" hreflang="en">Blame game on contaminated fertiliser continues; Sri Lanka govt backtracks on greener agriculture move</a>

On November 29, many parts of the island country also experienced power cuts. The CEB had reportedly attributed the power cuts to a technical issue experienced on the transmission cables. &nbsp;

The power outage had affected sub-grid stations in Habarana, Galle, Ratmalana, Sri Jayawardenapura, Kurunegala, Matara, Biyagama, Kotugoda, Pannipitiya, Kiribathkumbura, Athurugiriya, Kosgama and Sapugaskanda, said a CEB official. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka is experiencing nationwide power outage on Friday even as the government has vowed to investigate the recent cuts in several parts of the country. Ministry of Power said that the power disruption is mainly due to a breakdown in transmission lines.

Sri Lanka is experiencing nationwide power outage on Friday even as the government has vowed to investigate the recent cuts in several parts of the country. Ministry of Power said that the power disruption is mainly due to a breakdown in transmission lines. Steps are being taken to ensure the restoration of power. Also Read: Mysterious LP gas explosions across Sri Lanka; President appoints committee to investigate Ceylon Electricity Board general manager has also said the instructions have also been given to deactivate solar power generators till the situation returns back to normalcy. According to local reports, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) seems to have also launched an investigation into a complaint filed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) over recent power outages. A special team has also been deployed to probe the incident, said the reports. The investigation has also begun as the teams have also started visiting the relevant places and recording statements. Also Read: Blame game on contaminated fertiliser continues; Sri Lanka govt backtracks on greener agriculture move On November 29, many parts of the island country also experienced power cuts. The CEB had reportedly attributed the power cuts to a technical issue experienced on the transmission cables. The power outage had affected sub-grid stations in Habarana, Galle, Ratmalana, Sri Jayawardenapura, Kurunegala, Matara, Biyagama, Kotugoda, Pannipitiya, Kiribathkumbura, Athurugiriya, Kosgama and Sapugaskanda, said a CEB official. (With inputs from agencies)

In dark? Sri Lanka faces nationwide power outage as govt looks to probe recent cuts

US-Russia spat seems to have reached space now. In a new development, Russian space agency Roscosmos has threatened to sue a NASA astronaut. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The agency claims the astronaut drilled a two-mm hole in a Soyuz MS-09 vehicle, which was docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018. &nbsp;

After completing its investigation recently, the agency deemed the action as a sabotage. It cited Serena Auñón-Chancellor, an ISS crew member during the incident, as the culprit. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-mission-to-test-out-armageddon-scenario-blasts-off-431550" hreflang="en">Watch | NASA mission to test out Armageddon scenario blasts off</a>

As the allegations were handed over to law enforcement of the Russia, Roscosmos announced the possibility of criminal charges. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With the hope of returning home early, Auñón-Chancellor purposefully made the hole, reported the Izvestia newspaper while citing sources on Friday. &nbsp;

Auñón-Chancellor seems to have wanted to leave due to a blood clot or a fight with her boyfriend onboard the ISS, Russian news outlet said citing sources. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-postpones-iss-spacewalk-because-of-space-debris-433087" hreflang="en">NASA postpones ISS spacewalk because of space debris</a>

When Auñón-Chancellor was in space, she got married to Jeff Chancellor. The couple is still married to this day. It is unclear who is the 'boyfriend' as stated by sources. &nbsp;

After a pressure drop was identified due to an air leak, the hole was spotted on August 30, 2018. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US-Russia spat seems to have reached space now. In a new development, Russian space agency Roscosmos has threatened to sue a NASA astronaut. The agency claims the astronaut drilled a two-mm hole in a Soyuz MS-09 vehicle, which was docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018.

US-Russia spat seems to have reached space now. In a new development, Russian space agency Roscosmos has threatened to sue a NASA astronaut. The agency claims the astronaut drilled a two-mm hole in a Soyuz MS-09 vehicle, which was docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018. After completing its investigation recently, the agency deemed the action as a sabotage. It cited Serena Auñón-Chancellor, an ISS crew member during the incident, as the culprit. Also Read: Watch | NASA mission to test out Armageddon scenario blasts off As the allegations were handed over to law enforcement of the Russia, Roscosmos announced the possibility of criminal charges. With the hope of returning home early, Auñón-Chancellor purposefully made the hole, reported the Izvestia newspaper while citing sources on Friday. Auñón-Chancellor seems to have wanted to leave due to a blood clot or a fight with her boyfriend onboard the ISS, Russian news outlet said citing sources. Also Read: NASA postpones ISS spacewalk because of space debris When Auñón-Chancellor was in space, she got married to Jeff Chancellor. The couple is still married to this day. It is unclear who is the 'boyfriend' as stated by sources. After a pressure drop was identified due to an air leak, the hole was spotted on August 30, 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Love gone sour? Russia sues Austronaut who drilled spacecraft to reportedly be separate from partner

The 14-year-old girl was eating ice cream with friends one afternoon in 1994, around a picnic table at a summer arts camp in Michigan, she said, when a “tall, thin woman” with a “cute little Yorkie” walked by.

The campers asked if they could pet the dog, but soon after the girl’s friends left her alone with the woman, a man joined them, and asked the girl about the camp and her other interests. He said he was a benefactor who gave to the camp and supported young talent. When the girl said she lived in Palm Beach, Florida, the man said, “What a coincidence, we live there too.” He asked for her phone number.

Testifying on Tuesday in the sex trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, the 14-year-old from Florida, now an adult identified in court only as “Jane,” described for jurors how what seemed like a chance encounter with Maxwell — the woman with the Yorkie — and Jeffrey Epstein led to years of sexual abuse.

The abuse took place at Epstein’s properties in Florida, New Mexico and New York, and at times involved groups of people, she said. Sometimes, she said, Maxwell took part in the sex acts.

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d2eef06-5ab4-4973-8ffc-105fb9265331" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maxwell.jpg" />

For years, Jane testified, she told nobody about the abuse, confiding in loved ones only after she had cut off contact with Epstein, around 2002. Jane — who identified herself as a working actor — did not tell law enforcement about her allegations until after Epstein’s death in 2019, in part out of concern, she said, that she would face professional blowback in Hollywood.

As the first accuser to take the stand in Maxwell’s trial, Jane painted a picture of how Maxwell and Epstein brought her into their lives, and how what seemed like mentorship and special treatment soon evolved into sexual abuse.

Weeks after the initial meeting in Michigan, Jane said, she got home from school — it was early in her eighth grade year — to find that Epstein had called to invite her and her mother to his house for tea. A chauffeur came to retrieve them and brought them to Epstein’s home.

It was the first of many such visits she would make, but her mother never joined them again. The home was impressive, she said, and so were Epstein and Maxwell, even if their conduct was sometimes confusing or overwhelming.

As she described those early days, Jane at times laughed at herself, gestured broadly and spoke directly to the jury. But as she turned to her accounts of her abuse — and later, as Maxwell’s lawyer sought on cross-examination to challenge her recollections — Jane’s tone grew more serious.

At several points throughout Jane’s testimony, Maxwell leaned forward in her chair at the defense table, put on a pair of glasses and took notes.

“From the very beginning there was a lot of bragging about how they were friends with essentially everyone,” Jane said, adding that Maxwell and Epstein would engage in “name dropping” — she recalled them citing public figures like Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and Mike Wallace. The effect was to suggest that “they were very well connected and affluent.”

Jane said she was soon visiting Epstein’s Palm Beach home every week or two, and Maxwell was a steady presence. At first, Maxwell came across as a big sister figure — “odd and “quirky,” Jane said, “but she was nice.” Jane said Maxwell took her to the movies and shopping for shirts and a cashmere sweater, and to Victoria’s Secret for underwear: "basic-looking ones" like “white cotton briefs.”

But soon, Maxwell began talking to her about sex, Jane said. One day, Jane said, Maxwell was among a group of women lounging topless or naked around Epstein’s pool.

Another day, when she was still 14, Jane testified, she was speaking with Epstein in his office when he told her he could introduce her to talent agents and “make things happen” for her. Then he “abruptly” ended the conversation, took her hand and said, “Follow me,” as he guided her outside and into the pool house.

Inside, Jane said, Epstein led her to a couch and took off his sweatpants. He pulled her on top of him and “proceeded to masturbate,” she testified in a halting voice. After he was done, she said, he went into a bathroom to clean up, then “acted like nothing had happened.”

“I was frozen in fear,” Jane said. She testified that she did not tell anyone about what had happened inside the pool house, adding: “I was terrified and felt gross and I felt ashamed.”

Shortly after that incident, Jane said, Maxwell joined them in Epstein’s bedroom; while the two adults touched each other, they guided her to join them. In later visits, Maxwell and Epstein brought Jane to the house’s massage room, where Maxwell explained how Epstein liked to be massaged.

A prosecutor, Alison Moe, asked about Maxwell’s demeanor during those incidents.

“I would say it seemed very casual, like it was very normal, like it was not a big deal,” Jane said.

Jane’s often emotional testimony came on the second day of Maxwell’s trial in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on charges she helped Epstein recruit, groom and ultimately sexually abuse girls as young as 14.

Prosecutors have said that Jane and three other accusers, all now adults, will testify under pseudonyms or partial names in the trial.

The defense has made it clear it plans to seek to undermine Jane’s credibility in cross-examination by suggesting that she is playing a role, and that she only decided to cooperate with the government and implicate Maxwell because she believed it would help her secure a claim with the Epstein victim fund, which awarded her $5 million.

Late Tuesday afternoon, one of Maxwell’s lawyers, Laura Menninger, began her cross-examination by pressing Jane about the delay in reporting her claims and sought to point out gaps in her memory of her teenage years in Florida. Her cross-examination is expected to continue Wednesday morning.

Before then, Moe, the prosector, asked Jane whether she had ever publicly revealed her identity as a victim of Epstein and Maxwell.

No, Jane said, nor did she want to.

“I’ve always just wanted to put this past me. I moved on with my life,” Jane said. “I work in the entertainment industry and victim shaming is still very present to this day.” Talking publicly could also affect her career, she said.

“I didn’t really want any part of it,” she said. “I just wanted it to go away.”

The 14-year-old girl was eating ice cream with friends one afternoon in 1994, around a picnic table at a summer arts camp in Michigan, she said, when a “tall, thin woman” with a “cute little Yorkie” walked by.

The 14-year-old girl was eating ice cream with friends one afternoon in 1994, around a picnic table at a summer arts camp in Michigan, she said, when a “tall, thin woman” with a “cute little Yorkie” walked by. The campers asked if they could pet the dog, but soon after the girl’s friends left her alone with the woman, a man joined them, and asked the girl about the camp and her other interests. He said he was a benefactor who gave to the camp and supported young talent. When the girl said she lived in Palm Beach, Florida, the man said, “What a coincidence, we live there too.” He asked for her phone number. Testifying on Tuesday in the sex trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, the 14-year-old from Florida, now an adult identified in court only as “Jane,” described for jurors how what seemed like a chance encounter with Maxwell — the woman with the Yorkie — and Jeffrey Epstein led to years of sexual abuse. The abuse took place at Epstein’s properties in Florida, New Mexico and New York, and at times involved groups of people, she said. Sometimes, she said, Maxwell took part in the sex acts. For years, Jane testified, she told nobody about the abuse, confiding in loved ones only after she had cut off contact with Epstein, around 2002. Jane — who identified herself as a working actor — did not tell law enforcement about her allegations until after Epstein’s death in 2019, in part out of concern, she said, that she would face professional blowback in Hollywood. As the first accuser to take the stand in Maxwell’s trial, Jane painted a picture of how Maxwell and Epstein brought her into their lives, and how what seemed like mentorship and special treatment soon evolved into sexual abuse. Weeks after the initial meeting in Michigan, Jane said, she got home from school — it was early in her eighth grade year — to find that Epstein had called to invite her and her mother to his house for tea. A chauffeur came to retrieve them and brought them to Epstein’s home. It was the first of many such visits she would make, but her mother never joined them again. The home was impressive, she said, and so were Epstein and Maxwell, even if their conduct was sometimes confusing or overwhelming. As she described those early days, Jane at times laughed at herself, gestured broadly and spoke directly to the jury. But as she turned to her accounts of her abuse — and later, as Maxwell’s lawyer sought on cross-examination to challenge her recollections — Jane’s tone grew more serious. At several points throughout Jane’s testimony, Maxwell leaned forward in her chair at the defense table, put on a pair of glasses and took notes. “From the very beginning there was a lot of bragging about how they were friends with essentially everyone,” Jane said, adding that Maxwell and Epstein would engage in “name dropping” — she recalled them citing public figures like Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and Mike Wallace. The effect was to suggest that “they were very well connected and affluent.” Jane said she was soon visiting Epstein’s Palm Beach home every week or two, and Maxwell was a steady presence. At first, Maxwell came across as a big sister figure — “odd and “quirky,” Jane said, “but she was nice.” Jane said Maxwell took her to the movies and shopping for shirts and a cashmere sweater, and to Victoria’s Secret for underwear: "basic-looking ones" like “white cotton briefs.” But soon, Maxwell began talking to her about sex, Jane said. One day, Jane said, Maxwell was among a group of women lounging topless or naked around Epstein’s pool. Another day, when she was still 14, Jane testified, she was speaking with Epstein in his office when he told her he could introduce her to talent agents and “make things happen” for her. Then he “abruptly” ended the conversation, took her hand and said, “Follow me,” as he guided her outside and into the pool house. Inside, Jane said, Epstein led her to a couch and took off his sweatpants. He pulled her on top of him and “proceeded to masturbate,” she testified in a halting voice. After he was done, she said, he went into a bathroom to clean up, then “acted like nothing had happened.” “I was frozen in fear,” Jane said. She testified that she did not tell anyone about what had happened inside the pool house, adding: “I was terrified and felt gross and I felt ashamed.” Shortly after that incident, Jane said, Maxwell joined them in Epstein’s bedroom; while the two adults touched each other, they guided her to join them. In later visits, Maxwell and Epstein brought Jane to the house’s massage room, where Maxwell explained how Epstein liked to be massaged. A prosecutor, Alison Moe, asked about Maxwell’s demeanor during those incidents. “I would say it seemed very casual, like it was very normal, like it was not a big deal,” Jane said. Jane’s often emotional testimony came on the second day of Maxwell’s trial in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on charges she helped Epstein recruit, groom and ultimately sexually abuse girls as young as 14. Prosecutors have said that Jane and three other accusers, all now adults, will testify under pseudonyms or partial names in the trial. The defense has made it clear it plans to seek to undermine Jane’s credibility in cross-examination by suggesting that she is playing a role, and that she only decided to cooperate with the government and implicate Maxwell because she believed it would help her secure a claim with the Epstein victim fund, which awarded her $5 million. Late Tuesday afternoon, one of Maxwell’s lawyers, Laura Menninger, began her cross-examination by pressing Jane about the delay in reporting her claims and sought to point out gaps in her memory of her teenage years in Florida. Her cross-examination is expected to continue Wednesday morning. Before then, Moe, the prosector, asked Jane whether she had ever publicly revealed her identity as a victim of Epstein and Maxwell. No, Jane said, nor did she want to. “I’ve always just wanted to put this past me. I moved on with my life,” Jane said. “I work in the entertainment industry and victim shaming is still very present to this day.” Talking publicly could also affect her career, she said. “I didn’t really want any part of it,” she said. “I just wanted it to go away.”

Accuser describes Maxwell and Epstein ensnaring and abusing her at 14

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