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10 Best YouTube Channels to Watch Movies and Shows for Free in 2024

10 Best YouTube Channels to Watch Movies and Shows for Free in 2024

Wondering which YouTube channels offer free movies and shows?

Subscription services like Netflix and Prime Video offer access to a wide range of content, but they are paid and their basic plans cost around $10, which can be a bit much if you rarely watch movies.

In this case, paying for a subscription might feel like a waste.

Fortunately, some YouTube channels offer interesting, high-quality and even recent films for free. These channels offer public domain films – free content that many people are not aware of.

For this article, I did a little research and found the best YouTube channels where you can watch films and series for free.

I’ll break down each one below and let you know what type of content they offer.

Best YouTube Channels to Watch Free Movies and Shows

Here are hidden channels on YouTube that bring high-quality movies and shows straight to you:

1. Movie Central

Movie Central – YouTube channel for watching movies and series

Movie Central is a YouTube channel that has over 5 million subscribers and more than 2,000 videos at the time of writing.

The videos cover several genres, including comedy and horror, but I also found a lot of action films there. If you are looking for a channel that offers a wide range of free movies, this is your best choice.

The channel uploads new movies almost six to eight times a week, giving you a wide variety to choose from. It also appears that it only hosts content that it has legal licenses for, so it is completely legal to use.

With its diverse collection, Movie Central stands out as one of the best YouTube channels to watch free movies.

Visit Movie Central

2. Letterkenny problems

Letterkenny problemsLetterkenny problems

This YouTube channel is dedicated to hosting the classic web series Letterkenny Problems.

The series features short, humorous clips that follow the lives of residents of the fictional small town of Letterkenny, Ontario.

The show highlights the quirky characters and their interactions and often features the town’s witty one-liners.

Since the channel focuses on short clips, it’s perfect if you have time to watch something entertaining.

Visit Letterkenny Issues

3. FullHDvideos4me

FullHDvideos4meFullHDvideos4me

FullHDvideos4me is a YouTube channel that focuses on providing feature films to its viewers.

On this channel you will find movies that combine cutscenes from your favorite video games to create an immersive cinematic experience. You can expect to see movies based on games like Halo, Fortnite, Star Wars, and even the recent Black Myth: Wukong.

While the focus is mostly on action video game movies, there are also some interesting cartoons in the Playlists section.

The channel is characterized by an immersive cinema experience, even if I found some of the films to be a bit hit and miss. Still, the channel is definitely worth watching!

Visit FullHDvideos4me

4. English blockbuster films

English blockbuster filmsEnglish blockbuster films

Blockbuster English Movies is a YouTube channel where you can watch free movies.

It currently has over a million subscribers but only offers 97 movies, which seems a bit limited. The channel also seems to upload around three videos per week.

True to its name, the channel focuses on blockbuster titles, including films starring Jason Statham and Chris Evans.

As I was going through the videos on this channel, I noticed that the content mostly revolves around action movies.

Visit English Blockbuster Movies

5. Just For Laughs Gags

Just for laughs gagsJust for laughs gags

Just For Laughs Gags is another YouTube channel to check out if you are interested in comedy reality TV.

It’s a Canadian hidden camera series where they play silly pranks on random people and capture their hilarious reactions.

The official channel shows all episodes, making it the perfect place to get uninterrupted laughter. That’s why I recommend it in this list of the best YouTube channels to watch free movies and shows.

Visit Just For Laughs Gags

6.Mosfilm

MosfilmMosfilm

If you like Russian films, Mosfilm’s YouTube channel is for you. It is the leading film company in Russia, known for producing the most films in the country and offering a variety of genres – action, comedy, documentaries and more.

There are over 1,400 videos on the channel, providing viewers with a lot of fun.

The best part is that YouTube allows you to automatically translate the subtitles into English even if you don’t understand Russian. One of the films I found interesting on the channel is “In the Moscow Slums |”. DETECTIVE.

Visit Mosfilm

7. IBAKATV

IBAKATVIBAKATV

IBAKATV is another channel where you can find blockbuster Nollywood movies. It is a premium YouTube channel where you can watch movies from popular Nollywood stars without the need for a YouTube subscription.

If you like intense dramas – which is what Nollywood films are best known for – you’ll definitely find something you like here.

The only downside is that the channel currently has 66 videos, but new ones seem to be added weekly. It’s still a solid option to have in your list of YouTube channels to stream movies in your free time.

Visit IBAKATV

8. Hollywood action

Hollywood actionHollywood action

Hollywood Action is a channel dedicated to watching free movies on YouTube. The uploaded Hollywood movies are incredibly entertaining and full of adrenaline.

Apart from my experience with its films, it has also received a lot of positive comments from its large viewer base.

Although the channel mainly focuses on action films, the quality is impressive. Most videos feature captivating storylines and high-quality graphics.

I’d probably rank it as the best on this list, but at the moment there are only 67 videos, which might not offer enough variety to keep you entertained for long.

Visit Hollywood Action

9. Horror Central

Horror CentralHorror Central

If you are a die-hard horror movie fan and are looking for your own channel on YouTube, Horror Central is for you.

This channel makes its movies available under lawful license from various copyright holders, so you can be assured of getting original movies that will truly scare you.

Horror Central uploads about five new horror films every week and currently has around 1,200 videos.

This makes it a fantastic addition to your list of YouTube channels to watch movies and series for free.

Visit Horror Central

10. FREE MOVIES

FREE MOVIESFREE MOVIES

The last channel on our list to watch free movies is FREE MOVIES. It offers a mix of stand-up comedy and drama films, most of which have a captivating plot.

However, there is a catch: the last new video was uploaded two months ago. Still, you will have a lot of fun with up to 285 movies available on the channel.

Visit FREE MOVIES

Enjoy watching movies and shows on YouTube channels

Now that we’ve talked about the YouTube channels where you can watch free movies and series, here’s how to enjoy them to the fullest:

Ad-free: Even without YouTube Premium, you can watch many YouTube channels that focus on movies and series with little or no advertising.

Full screen: YouTube allows you to enjoy videos in full screen mode for a distraction-free experience while immersing yourself in the movies on the channels mentioned below.

Video quality: For a better viewing experience, you can change the video quality from 144p to 1080p depending on your network.

Subtitle: On YouTube you can not only activate subtitles, but also use the automatic translation function. This is useful if the video is in another language, such as Russian, and you want to translate the subtitles into English.

Offline download: YouTube also offers an offline download feature, similar to Netflix, which allows you to download videos and watch them later without internet.

Wrap up

After getting to know the YouTube channels where you can watch movies and series for free and how to enjoy them at your convenience, feel free to share your favorites in the comments below.

You can also read: Best Free Apps to Stream Movies

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The jobs report surprises Wall Street – here’s what it means for your 401(K), loans and mortgages

The jobs report surprises Wall Street – here’s what it means for your 401(K), loans and mortgages

The U.S. economy far exceeded expectations for job growth last month, according to new data released Friday.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers added an estimated 254,000 jobs in September.

This is much higher than August’s job growth of 159,000 and exceeds economists’ expectations that there would be a gain of 140,000 jobs.

The unemployment rate also fell to 4.1 percent, despite forecasts that it would remain stable at 4.2 percent.

Stock prices surged following the blockbuster report, giving Wall Street further confirmation that the job market is on solid ground. Rising stocks are also good news for Americans’ 401(K) balances, which tend to be invested in major indexes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers added an estimated 254,000 jobs in September

S&P 500 futures rose 0.7 percent, while futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.5 percent.

The premarket advances marked a significant turnaround for Wall Street after rising geopolitical tensions caused a rocky start to October.

The report also revised job growth figures from August and July. This increased the total by 17,000 to 159,000 in August and 55,000 new jobs were created in July, bringing monthly growth to 144,000.

These upward revisions are likely to ease concerns about the state of the labor market and the Federal Reserve’s likely move to a slower pace of interest rate cuts following last month’s record cut.

The September rate cut brought interest rates down to 4.75 percent to 5 percent, making it cheaper for consumers to borrow.

Further cuts this year, even if smaller, will help ease the pressure on Americans’ wallets.

The Fed’s key interest rate does not directly affect mortgage rates, but the cost of home loans tends to fall along with interest rate cuts.

Mortgage rates have already begun to fall in recent months. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is now 6.12 percent, according to the latest data from Freddie Mac as of Oct. 3.

Mortgage rates should continue their downward trend, providing a boost to those looking to refinance or buy a home.

Wall Street was concerned about early July jobs numbers that came in lower than expected, sparking fears that the U.S. was heading toward a recession.

As inflation continues to cool, the central bank has reiterated its mandate to ensure there is no drastic deterioration in the labor market either.

“A repeat of the 0.5 percent rate cut in September is ruled out as non-farm payrolls beat expectations,” Isaac Stell, investment manager at Wealth Club, said in a statement.

“Slower hiring and a rise in the unemployment rate worried rate makers last month, but there is no evidence of that in these numbers.”

This is breaking news. Updates to follow.

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Trump will appear alongside Brian Kemp; Kamala Harris gathers in Michigan

Trump will appear alongside Brian Kemp; Kamala Harris gathers in Michigan

Abortion rights groups are targeting key battlegrounds in the final push before Election Day, focusing on Arizona and Nevada — where voters will not only decide control of the White House and Congress, but also whether Abortion protections should be codified with a new ballot measures.

Reproductive Freedom for All, a political action and advocacy organization, also distributes its resources to Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia and California, where it has people on the ground to increase support for abortion rights candidates and policies.

The group is hosting 13 voting events in critical states this weekend, according to an announcement first shared with NBC News.

“Our election program and organization are working nonstop to reach people where they are, whether online or in person,” said Mini Timmaraju, president and CEO of the organization.

“One of the most powerful ways to mobilize voters is to talk to the people we know in our own communities, and we give our members and volunteers the tools to do just that,” she added.

Volunteers in every state contacted more than 2 million members and supporters to confirm voter registration to engage Generation Z supporters and voters of color. The group, previously known as NARAL, is expected to increase its youth organizing program on community and commuter college campuses.

The organization will launch digital and telephone campaigns in swing states to highlight Trump’s stance on abortion.

Specifically, the ads seek to blame Trump “for the abortion ban that led to the preventable death of Amber Nicole Thurman in Georgia,” which Walz referenced in Tuesday’s debate against Vance.

“Voters have never been more enthusiastic about abortion. They are ready to create change and we are increasing our GOTV [get out the vote] operation to ensure that this is possible,” said Timmaraju.

At least ten states have abortion initiatives on their ballots.

“We have 31 days until Election Day – our reproductive freedom is at stake and we cannot afford to leave everything on the playing field,” Timmaraju said.

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‘The Californians’ and 44 more ‘SNL’ sketches L.A. Times readers love

‘The Californians’ and 44 more ‘SNL’ sketches L.A. Times readers love

After asking celebrities from the world of film and television about their all-time favorite “Saturday Night Live” sketches, we decided to open the question to you, our readers. With the series’ 50th season now underway, we’ve collected some of the best responses below, from “SNL” fans ages 17 to 99, from across the country and around the world.

To be expected, perhaps, “The Californians” — a recurring soap opera parody of L.A. life and Valley girl accents — earned the most submissions, with other iconic sketches and characters (inspirational speaker Matt Foley, delectable NPR treat Schweddy Balls) coming in close behind. But we also received plenty of other votes: Remember original cast member Garrett Morris as fictional Mets great Chico Escuela? Or Martin Short synchonized swimming (well, failing to) in an early 1980s pre-tape? Find all those and many, many more in the list below. Responses have been edited for clarity.

‘The Californians’

As a native of L.A., I love all the references to the freeways, streets, off-ramps, etc. The best is the pause in the mirror — cracks me up no matter how many times I see it. Perfect soap-opera parody. —Shirley Lang, 68, Lincoln, Calif.

The freeway references, the voices, the obscurity of the “problems” and the staff breaking up because they knew all of this even while playing it out. Thank you, “SNL.” — Jim Conlon, 75, Pacific Palisades

It was such a New York City satire of Los Angeles. It was hilarious, strangely insightful and (I hope) intended with affection. — Afshin Marashi, 55, Santa Monica

With hints of telenovela, that accent that identifies us and the references to the freeways — it’s like watching yourself on an “SNL” skit. — Paul Kirsic, 46, Hollywood, Fla.

Even now, I can’t help but laugh until I’m in tears every time I watch it. Whenever I’m feeling down, I head over to YouTube and play it to instantly brighten my day. — Tom A., 54, Santa Clarita

‘NPR’s Delicious Dish: Schweddy Balls’

Season 24, 1998. Ana Gasteyer, Molly Shannon, Alec Baldwin on “The Delicious Dish” discussing Pete Schweddy’s favorite holiday dessert: Schweddy Balls. The sketch is priceless and timeless. — Ed Lamoureux, 71, Peoria, Ill.

The combination of the deadpan delivery and pushing the boundaries of what they could get past the censors with the double entendres gets me laughing every time. It’s not the holiday season without Pete’s Schweddy Balls. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. — Mark Akita, 64, Los Angeles

‘Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp’

I’m sure a lot of my favorites will be on this list, so I have to shout out “Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp” from Season 37. It doesn’t have many views on YouTube, which is shocking to me because it is so funny. It is peak physical comedy from Kristen Wiig, a great “SNL” combination of a celebrity impression that rides the line between good and bad; a silly concept; great work from the costume department and the live band; and has many quotable lines. Perfect sketch. — Nikki Lanshaw, 32, Bishop, Calif.

“Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp” is so sublimely goofy; I love everything about it. Kristen Wiig is such a gifted physical comedian, and she thoroughly commits to the bit in this sketch, to the point where you can see her and Jonah Hill visibly struggling not to crack up multiple times. — Jane Mahoney, 33, Van Nuys

‘President Reagan, Mastermind’

During the Iran-Contra scandal, of which Reagan insisted he didn’t recall anything, Phil Hartman played him as an amiable dunce when Jimmy Stewart is visiting, but behind closed doors he’s orchestrating the whole scam: computing bribes in his head, speaking Farsi. I was in the live audience that night. Five years later, I happened to meet Hartman and told him how hilarious he was. I fed him one of Dana Carvey’s lines as Stewart and Hartman did the rest of the scene from memory. — Doug Molitor, 72, Covina

Phil Hartman as both the doddering old man and the mastermind of the Iran-Contra plan is perfect. My favorite part is the little Girl Scout coming in and Reagan saying, “This is the part of the job I hate” — I say that line far too often. — Jennifer Bell, 48, Long Beach

‘Bass-O-Matic’

Dan Aykroyd sells a blender by putting a whole fish into it and turning the blender on. The sketch was so yucky and outrageous and funny that it’s the first sketch that comes to mind when I think of all of the sketches from that era, even more than Aykroyd’s Julia Child and “cheeburger, cheeburger” with John Belushi. — Reva Witcher, 73, Granada Hills

Aykroyd is the perfect oily salesman selling an impossibly absurd product. I just watched it, and it is every bit as funny as the first time I saw it in 1976. — Sheila Suarez, 73, Glendale

‘Word Association’

Among my favorites from the early years — I’ve been watching since the very first episode — is the job interview-word association with Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor. It was very edgy and would require a “bleep” to be aired today, but it was truly creative, a wonderful commentary on bigotry that starts innocently and nears the end with the N-word, to which Pryor responds “dead honkey” — after replying “honkey” and “honkey, honkey” to the prior two associations. — Brian Podrow, 75, Lake Forest

The different racial slurs between the two of them, the seriousness, the facial expressions: I don’t know if they would do this sketch now, but it makes me laugh every time I see it. — Joal Broun, 63, Carrboro, N.C.

‘Show Your Patriotism’

Will Ferrell late for a staff meeting. Arrives wearing baggy, bulgy patriotic undies/Speedo. Why? Very hairy — and hilarious. I spent many an hour stuck in meeting rooms like this trying to stay awake. I hoped for a dream come true… — Thomas Hosey, 77, Pittsburgh

Will Ferrell at a business meeting in a stars-and-stripes Speedo and a USA cutoff shirt. So absurd. He kept a straight face, tormenting the cast who couldn’t stay in character. — Barbara Lee, 64, Temecula

‘Matt Foley: Van Down by the River’

Without a doubt, it has to be motivational speaker Matt Foley in “Van Down by the River,” starring Chris Farley (and written by Bob Odenkirk). Pretty sure I’m not the only one who found it hysterical — David Spade and Christina Applegate couldn’t keep a straight face, either, and they both were in it. Farley’s wild physical comedy is unmatched. Bonus, it also stars the late, great Phil Hartman. — Chris Georges, 66, Los Angeles

Chris Farley’s Matt Foley living in a van down by the river will never get old to me. I watch it several times a year, and it just gets funnier with every watch. — Merissa Weiland, 39, Los Angeles

Honorable mentions

The 1988 Bush-Dukakis debate: Dana Carvey’s George Bush impression is legendary and on full display here as he fills time with Bushisms: “thousand points of light,” “no new taxes,” “stay the course.” Add to that Jon Lovitz as Michael Dukakis and Kevin Nealon as Sam Donaldson and you have pure gold. “SNL’s” political satire has always had a way of summing up what everyone is thinking, and Dukakis’ retort, “I can’t believe I’m losing to this guy,” hits dead on. — Jeff Harris, 58, View Park-Windsor Hills

“Annuale”: Trying to keep it together once a month can be a challenge, but having all those chemicals and hormones building up in your system over the course of a year? Oh, brother. — Allison Cook, 73, Los Angeles

“Bab’s Uvula”: This first-season skit is filled with the kind of double entendre and quick wit that carved a path for the best of “SNL’s” skits. It also featured most of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players, including the amazing Gilda Radner, who passed away far too soon. Plus, who among us learned what the uvula was just from this skit? — Craig Byrd, 63, Los Angeles

“Brenda the Waitress”: Everybody in that sketch just killed it, especially Jan Hooks and Alec Baldwin. There were no jokes. They played it straight, but it was hilarious. — Harry Gower, 72, San Francisco

“Chico Escuela”: I started watching “SNL” in college. It was “must-see TV” for the ’70s. As an avid baseball fan, I loved Garrett Morris as Chico Escuela. The sketches would not be shown today, I suspect, but the one on location with the Mets when Chico returns to baseball at age 40 after having written a “tell-all” book, “Bad Things Bout the Mets,” is hilarious. Some of the real Mets players at the time were in the sketch, and Bill Murray appears as a journalist.— Lyn Farrell, 70, Colorado Springs

“Close Encounter”: Kate McKinnon was so hilarious describing her experience with the aliens that Ryan Gosling and the rest of the cast couldn’t keep a straight face. I was holding my stomach. — Judy Ross, 85, Long Beach

“Consumer Probe: Irwin Mainway”: Dan Aykroyd plays a toy salesman in this sketch, which actually came out before I was born but my parents showed me reruns when I was older. The hilarity of people worrying about toy safety/propriety is timeless. I imitate Aykroyd strangling himself with a phone cord and choking on a foam ball to this very day. — Karen Bobrow, 43, Los Angeles

“Dancing in the Dark”: My favorite “SNL” moment is Steve Martin and Gilda Radner’s dancing in this sketch. It references the Fred Astaire-Cyd Charisse original in “The Band Wagon” but tells its own story, and it truly does create a narrative of two people meeting in a bar, falling in love, dancing rapturously and returning to their places after the dance is over. It’s done purely in dance and physical comedy. — Randy Skretvedt, 65, Buena Park

“Debbie Downer: Disney World”: There are so many to choose from, but one of my favorites was the “Debbie Downer” sketch with Lindsay Lohan. To see everyone break character and just bust out laughing was fun to watch and very memorable. — Carlos Mitchell, 49, Anaheim

“Election Week Cold Open”: Kate McKinnon, as Hillary Clinton, singing “Hallelujah.” Deeply emotional. Leonard Cohen had just died and Hillary had just lost. — Joanne Morrison, 74, Rancho Mission Viejo

“The Farbers Meet the Coneheads”: For obvious reasons. The perfect Long Island couple, Jim and Bobbi Farber (played by John Belushi and Gilda Radner). Their new neighbors, the Coneheads (played by Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman). The complete absurdity of it all. I was home for Thanksgiving break and was watching with my folks, and we all screamed when we saw the title of the sketch. I believe the Farbers appeared in other sketches over the years. — Neal Farber, 73, San Bernardino

“Get a Life!”: I was 10 when I first saw this and already a “Star Trek” fan, but to see William Shatner making fun of fans made me laugh then and still does today. That the bit seems to have been written by Trekkies as well makes it come across as playful. It’s never been offensive; it’s always been funny. — Neil Bulk, 42, Culver City

“Gilly”: “She’s always in trouble, her hair’s like a bubble, knock knock, who’s there, it’s Gilly!” The absurdity of the character played by Kristen Wiig is hilarious to my family. Despite it being over a decade old at this point, we quote it to this day. It’s so delightfully odd and unpredictable instead of trying to match any sort of real-life social situation . — Libby K., 28, Omaha

“Iran So Far”: A classic digital short and song by the Lonely Island (featuring Adam Levine) was not only topical but also satirized the tense relationship between the U.S. and Iran perfectly. Plus, it’s a super catchy song. — Max K., 26, Chicago

James Brown Celebrity Hot Tub Party”: Eddie Murphy does all of Brown’s moves to hilarious effect. The look on his face when he turns to the camera and says, “Well, well, well” never fails to make me laugh. — Ron Garbus, 58, Arcata, Calif.

“Kavanaugh Hearing Cold Open”: When Matt Damon played Brett Kavanaugh during the Senate hearings to confirm him for the Supreme Court. I watched the entire hearings. My husband and I kept guessing who would play Kavanaugh in an “SNL” skit. Immediately when Matt came on in the cold open, I knew they’d found the perfect person. The whole skit perfectly nailed the whole hearing. — Joan Podrow, 76, Lake Forest

“The Killer Bees: Home Invasion”: This sketch with Elliott Gould evolves into a parody of Mexican westerns at the time. The bees even demand, “Give us your pollen.” — Michael Barsotti, 64, Vermont

“The Killer Trees”: A 1975 sketch with Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner, Candice Bergen and Frank Zappa. “SNL” was pretty new. On the Christmas show that year, they did the funniest sketch ever, with an innocent looking tree in the corner, singing, “Oh, Christmas Tree.” As people came close a branch would drop and spear the person in the stomach. I still laugh. — Judith Goldstein, 72, Los Angeles

“Laser Cats”: Specifically “Laser Cats” 3D. It reminds me of the short films I used to make with my friends. I now cock my cat back every time I pick her up. I show everybody I can “Laser Cats” as I am a huge “SNL” nerd, and although they don’t laugh, I know I have Nitro and Admiral Spaceship on my side to make me laugh. And that’s all that matters. — Bama Bardocz, 17, Los Angeles

“Maine Justice”: Most creative, off-the-wall skit of all time, perfectly performed. The cast could barely stay in character. — Peter Mihelich, 52, San Clemente

“Medieval Barber Theodoric of York”: This is tough, because I’ve been watching “SNL” since I was 10 in 1977. I’d probably go with this one: Steve Martin’s dry comedy with Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and John Belushi (“You worked on my back”) was hilarious, and I can still remember it today. — Keith Burrus, 57, Irving, Texas

“Mercury Marquis”: I (Elizabeth Greitzer) am submitting this on behalf of my mother, who is actually 99¾ years old and still enjoying “SNL’s” political sketches. I have never seen her laugh so hard as watching this sketch: Dan Ackroyd and Gilda Radner in the smooth riding car ad — so smooth you can perform a circumcision. — Carol Grietzer, 99, New York City

“More Cowbell”: This skit is the ultimate example of gaslighting. Chris Parnell doesn’t think the cowbell works and he is right, but out comes a legendary music producer to not only disagree but also state that the opposite is true. The sound isn’t off because of the cowbell, it’s off because there isn’t enough cowbell. Hilarious cognitive dissonance. — James Fink, 61, Hilton Head, S.C.

“Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood”: The concept is brilliant. Eddie Murphy is brilliant. The sketch is hilarious, poignant and politically and socially relevant — yet timeless too. Mr. Robinson made me laugh hard and think hard when I was a kid and still does. — Ann Van Haney, 52, Yucca Valley

“The People’s Court”: It’s very funny and stays true to the original show. Nobody plays the devil better than Jon Lovitz, especially when he loses. Phil Hartman as the judge is very good also. It’s a very underrated skit. — Bill Pucciarelli, 75, Santa Maria

“Pick-Up Artist”: Hands down one of the funniest “SNL” sketches ever. Melissa McCarthy’s face and her deadpan delivery had me crying, I was laughing so hard. My jaded teenager and I were watching “SNL” that night together and even he was crying because he was laughing so hard. — Jill Shinefield, 59, Los Angeles

“President Bill Clinton at McDonald’s”: From 1993, this sketch of Bill Clinton jogging into McDonald’s and eating customers’ food. I love it most because Phil Hartman looked and sounded like Bill Clinton, and I loved eating McDonald’s food as a teenager. — Zach irwin, 48, Kennesaw, Ga.

“Samurai Delicatessen”: I loved seeing John Belushi do anything, but the samurai bits were always good, and “Samurai Delicatessen” was the topper for me. He had repeat bits, but really you never knew what he was going to do next. What a performer — still miss him. — Pat Eisenberg, 65, Arizona

“The Sinatra Group”: It almost killed me, twice. (From laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe.) Near death No. 1: “Sinead! Swing, baby! — you’re platinum.” Near death No. 2: “I got chunks of guys like you in my stool.” — Ed Salisbury, 65, Santa Monica

“Single Ladies”: Justin Timberlake as a dancer with Beyoncé in the “Single Ladies” music video. JT in that leotard is hysterical. — Dawn Kozlowski, 65, Ivins, Utah

“Steve Martin Cold Opening”: The live open from the early ’90s where Steve Martin and a cast of dozens sang about how we’re “Not Gonna Phone It in Tonight.” The concept, writing, staging and performances were all brilliantly funny — especially for a segment of “SNL” that historically is prepared at the last minute. — Keith Winsolw, 62, New York City

“Synchronized Swimming”: Sure, it was pre-taped, and Lorne Michaels likes to pretend the early ’80s seasons never happened. But coming along in the same year as “This Is Spinal Tap,” it feels like a crucial step in the development of the mockumentary. Also, Martin Short’s character can’t swim. — Eric Weiler, 49, Burbank

“Taco Town”: One of the better “commercials” from the last decade. The way it just builds layer upon layer, much like the little taco that evolves into a commemorative tote bag containing a deep-fried blueberry pancake, Chicago-style pizza, French crepe, corn and flour tortilla taco. Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader and Andy Samberg play it straight with Chris Parnell’s voice from above narrating the entire sketch. It’s a classic and one that get’s me everytime. — Gordon Antell, 61, Los Angeles

“Take Me Back”: The progression of outrageous transgressions that the guy (Beck Bennett) confesses to in apologizing to his girlfriend (Ego Nwodim) is just so funny and clever. And it plays to this perception and makes fun of the whole idea that women need men. Even when they are absurdly badly behaved. It’s genius. — Ben Bishin, 56, Riverside

“The Thing That Wouldn’t Leave”: This is my No. 1 skit for its relatable, hard-hitting content and utter simplicity. Married couple Jane Curtin and Bill Murray’s visitor, John Belushi, repeatedly dismisses their overly polite pleas for him to please leave their home. It’s late, they’re both extremely tired and need to get up early for work. John persistently proposes one outrageous scenario after another, sparking Jane’s horrified, blood-curdling screams…aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! — Cindy Barg, 59, Belgium

“Total Bastard Airlines“: Buh-bye! We would use it as a joke at my work in the ’90s as an example of how not to engage in customer service. — Margaret Ward, 70, Avondale, Ariz.

“What Up With That?”: I love the various iterations of this — just wacky, unadulterated Kenan Thompson flop sweat, with breakdancing and Lindsey Buckingham. — Brandon Fidanque, 44, Santa Monica

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Jupiter Retrograde 2024: A Cosmic Shift for Your Rising Sign | astrology

Jupiter Retrograde 2024: A Cosmic Shift for Your Rising Sign | astrology

From October 9, 2024 to February 4, 2025, Jupiter will be in retrograde. Jupiter has been in Gemini since May 2024, encouraging zodiac signs to ask questions, explore new ideas, and be curious. But during this retrograde, it’s less about exploration and more about reflection.

Read more about the effects of Jupiter Retrograde 2024 on each rising sign.

This is the perfect time to relax, listen to your inner thoughts and find out what has changed. According to astrology expert Jordan Maree, every rising zodiac sign is influenced by Jupiter retrograde. Let’s reveal the effect of planetary retrograde on each zodiac sign.

How Will Jupiter Retrograde 2024 Affect Your Rising Sign?

Aries Rising sign– Jupiter in Gemini has been inspiring you to do a lot of intellectual exploration and curiosity lately. During Jupiter’s retrograde, it’s time to slow down and reflect. This time gives you space to examine your thoughts and decide what is worth keeping or letting go of. It’s a chance to calm your mind and move forward with a clearer focus.

bull Rising sign– Jupiter retrograde is a time for self-reflection. Any stress, overthinking or mental clutter can now disappear, allowing you to focus on your inner self. This time helps you connect with your wisdom and reminds you of your self-esteem and worth. Everything you need is already within you, waiting to be rediscovered.

Gemini Rising sign– When Jupiter retrograde begins, it’s time to unwind. Take a moment to pause, feel grounded, and reconnect with the stillness. This time invites you to look at your life from a new perspective. It is a time to trust your intuition and explore your beliefs about the world and your place in it.

Cancer Rising sign– Your intuition has been guiding you lately, pushing you to let go of beliefs and ideas that don’t feel true. Jupiter retrograde gives you space to accept this invitation. It’s a time to quiet the mental noise, trust your inner wisdom, and let it transform you without forcing it.

Lion Rising sign– Jupiter in Gemini was busy for you and brought lots of ideas, information and opportunities. How did that affect you? Now, during regression, is the time to slow down and focus on your body instead of your mind. Use this time to reflect on everything you’ve learned while enjoying a little more peace and quiet.

Virgo Rising sign– This retrograde period reminds you that the inner and outer worlds are connected. What you build in your physical life starts with your emotions, your energy and your thoughts. Jupiter retrograde invites you to take care of your inner self, knowing that this work is just as important as achieving your goals in the outside world.

Scale Rising sign– It’s about your beliefs and how they shape your life. Jupiter retrograde is a chance to reflect on your experiences and rewrite your personal truth. This truth does not need approval from others – it is yours alone. Use this time to quiet your mind and listen to the inner wisdom that already exists within you.

Scorpio Rising sign– Jupiter retrograde invites you to delve deep within yourself. This time reveals hidden truths, wisdom and strength. It’s time to shake off all fears and emotions that prevent you from fully knowing yourself. Allow yourself to connect with your inner world and embrace the vulnerability that comes with it.

Protect Rising sign– Since Jupiter is your ruling planet, this retrograde feels personal. You are asked to reflect on your relationship with life and your sense of belonging. It is also a time to look at your relationships with others and notice how they reflect parts of yourself. This period invites you to explore your balance between intuition and logic, faith and facts.

Capricorn Rising sign– Jupiter retrograde is about creating more space for silence and reflection. Lately, life may have felt fast-paced, with lots of new information and experiences. Now is the time to slow down, enjoy moments of peace and rediscover the power of silence. Remember that progress often comes from periods of contemplation.

Aquarius Rising sign– Jupiter has helped you discover your creativity and expression. What did you learn on this trip? Jupiter retrograde invites you to pause and reflect on these experiences. Take the time to reconnect with yourself, let your experiences guide you, and understand yourself better in the process.

Fish Rising sign– Jupiter retrograde encourages you to look within and reconnect with your core self. It’s a chance to revisit your childhood memories, heal old wounds, and put away anything that doesn’t belong to you. This time offers deep inner healing and helps you move forward with wisdom and confidence for the future.

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“Bluey” is about to make its free-to-air debut in Japan – Global Briefs

“Bluey” is about to make its free-to-air debut in Japan – Global Briefs

“Bluey” airs free-to-air in Japan

Emmy-winning breakout children’s series Bluish will be free to air in Japan. Episodes of Joe Brumm’s Australian animated series will air on TV Tokyo’s “Eeny Meeny Many Moe” slot at 7am local time on Saturday, October 26, following a deal with distributor BBC Studios. The series follows the lovable and inexhaustible blue heeler dog Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and their parents as they tell unpredictable stories in and around their neighborhood. Rei Marumo, general manager of TV Tokyo’s anime department, said the series could become “an important conversation starter for parents and children.” According to Nielsen, the Ludo Studios show, originally produced for ABC, is the most-streamed series in the U.S. to date, with more than 35 billion minutes watched. Disney+ has international streaming rights, including in Japan. BBC Studios has also added Japan to its major global toy deal with Moose Toys.

Current BFI Filmmaker Award winners announced

Hoard filmmaker Luna Carmoon, Grand Theft Hamlet Writer and director Pinny Grylls and In the camera Filmmaker Naqqash Khalid is the latest recipient of the BFI Filmmaking Award, launched in collaboration with French fashion house Chanel. The prize carries a cash prize of £20,000 ($22,000). The awards jury includes Tilda Swinton, Edward Enninful, producer Marie-Louise Khondji and BFI CEO Ben Roberts. Previous winners include Kathryn Ferguson, who won in 2022 for her award-winning debut documentary Nothing compares about Sinead O’Connor and Savannah Leaf, who won in 2023 Earth Mama and went on to win the 2024 BAFTA for Best British Debut Writer, Director or Producer.

JioCinema hires business managers from YouTube

Indian streamer JioCinema has appointed Ishan Chatterjee as Chief Business Officer. The company said the hiring reflected a “commitment to accelerating its transformation into a technology-enabled” company. Chatterjee comes from YouTube India, where he was managing director and played a role in shaping the Google-owned streamer’s strategy in the country. Prior to his 13-year tenure there, he held positions at McKinsey and Hindustan Unilever. JioCinema has emerged as a major player in India’s competitive streaming space, securing rights to Indian Premier League cricket and other major sporting events such as the FIFA tournaments and the 2024 Summer Olympics. Many observers say the Viacom18-owned streamer’s low-cost offering has turned the market on its head, now offering originals, international titles, Indian language fare, anime, films, and children’s and family fare.

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At least 215 dead as some communities struggle for basic supplies

At least 215 dead as some communities struggle for basic supplies

At least four deaths from the factory have been confirmed.

At the vigil, the crowd announced the names of all the victims as their families lit candles in remembrance, some breaking into sobs as they knelt before their photos.

Guadalupe Hernandez Corona, the sister of one of the dead workers, Monica Hernandez, tearfully paid tribute to her sister.

“I just want each of you to think of our families with a smile and remember the good memories you have with them,” Hernandez Corona told vigil participants. “My sister was a hard worker, a fighter and always looked out for everyone else.”

She also urged people to work together to find those still missing from the factory.

“Together they went to work, and together they must return,” she said.

Rosa Andrade Reynoso is one of the workers still missing. Anabel Andrade, a relative, said after the vigil that she prayed hard for closure and change.

“Whatever we want from it [is] “That things change, that every workplace has an evacuation plan for everything… so that something like this doesn’t happen again and the families aren’t surprised.”

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According to the FDA, fall treatment could make you sick or even fatal

According to the FDA, fall treatment could make you sick or even fatal

Apple cider has become synonymous with the start of fall, but health officials are warning consumers that drinking the cozy drink is not without risk.

The Ogle County Health Department in Illinois, for example, has issued a seasonal health alert to warn people about the dangers of unpasteurized apple cider, which can cause “serious illness or even death” if consumed, according to US Food and Drug Administration.

“Apple cider is a drink made from fresh apples. It is usually somewhat cloudy and golden in color because it is unfiltered and unpasteurized,” the department said in a Facebook post. “Most apple orchards don’t take the time to pasteurize because it’s not necessary.”

Any juice or cider that is not pasteurized or “heat treated” may contain harmful bacteria from the freshly squeezed or raw fruits and vegetables it is made from, according to the FDA. These bacteria could lead to foodborne illness.

Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the effects of food poisoning. These groups of people risk “serious illness or even death from consuming untreated juice,” according to the FDA.

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Most, but not all, juices sold are pasteurized, the FDA says

The FDA has received reports of foodborne illness outbreaks associated with consumption of fruit and vegetable juices and apple cider. However, the agency notes that “most of the juice sold in the United States is pasteurized or undergoes non-heat-related processes to kill harmful bacteria.”

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Special Report-Emails show early U.S. concerns over Gaza offensive, risk of Israeli war crimes

Special Report-Emails show early U.S. concerns over Gaza offensive, risk of Israeli war crimes

By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – As Israel pounded northern Gaza with air strikes last October and ordered the evacuation of more than a million Palestinians from the area, a senior Pentagon official delivered a blunt warning to the White House.

The mass evacuation would be a humanitarian disaster and could violate international law, leading to war crime charges against Israel, Dana Stroul, then the deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, wrote in an Oct. 13 email to senior aides to President Joe Biden. Stroul was relaying an assessment by the International Committee of the Red Cross that had left her “chilled to the bone,” she wrote.

As the Gaza war nears its first anniversary and the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider war, Stroul’s email and other previously unreported communications show the Biden administration’s struggle to balance internal concerns over rising deaths in Gaza with its public support for Jerusalem following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people.

Reuters reviewed three sets of email exchanges between senior U.S. administration officials, dated Oct. 11 to 14, just days into the crisis. The fighting has led to more than 40,000 deaths in Gaza and spurred U.S. protests led by Arab-Americans and Muslim activists.

The emails, which haven’t been reported before, reveal alarm early on in the State Department and Pentagon that a rising death toll in Gaza could violate international law and jeopardize U.S. ties in the Arab world. The messages also show internal pressure in the Biden administration to shift its messaging from showing solidarity with Israel to including sympathy for Palestinians and the need to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

A ceasefire deal remains elusive, despite months of U.S.-brokered negotiations. Much of Gaza is now a wasteland. And the risk of a regional war with Iran looms after Israel’s attacks on military targets in Lebanon and last week’s assassination of Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Top Biden administration officials say they believe White House pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in those early days made a difference, preventing an even worse disaster. In private talks, the White House asked Israel to delay its ground offensive to give more time for aid groups to prepare help for displaced people and to give Israel more time to strike a deal with Hamas, administration officials told reporters in background briefings at the time.

But Washington was slow to address the suffering of Palestinians, said three senior U.S. officials involved in the decision-making process. And while the ground invasion was ultimately delayed by about 10 days, the three officials attributed the pause more to operational preparations by the Israeli military than U.S. pressure.

In response to questions about the emails, the White House said, “The U.S. has been leading international efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza” and “this is and will continue to be a top priority.” It added that before U.S. “engagement, there was no food, water, or medicine getting into Gaza.”

Both Israeli and Hamas leaders are being investigated for alleged war crimes in the wake of the Hamas attacks. In June, a U.N. commission concluded there was credible evidence that Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups committed war crimes including torture and taking hostages. The commission also found evidence of Israeli war crimes from the country’s use of massive explosives in Gaza in the first months of the war.

The Biden administration and Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign remain caught between two powerful constituencies – pro-Israel Democrats and younger, pro-Palestinian progressives. Harris’ Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, says he would “settle” the war “fast” if he wins November’s presidential election, without detailing how. But foreign policy analysts say the election is unlikely to alter U.S. policy toward Israel significantly, given both parties’ long support for the country.

The emails reviewed by Reuters show a scramble inside the Biden administration to warn the White House of the impending crisis – and the White House’s initial resistance to a ceasefire in the early, chaotic days of war. The three sets of email exchanges began on Oct. 11, during Israel’s fifth day of air strikes after the Hamas incursion.

“LOSING CREDIBILITY”

Early on, concerns grew inside the administration about America’s image with its Arab allies.

After Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza’s hospitals, schools and mosques, the U.S. State Department’s top public diplomacy official, Bill Russo, told senior State officials that Washington was “losing credibility among Arab-speaking audiences” by not directly addressing the humanitarian crisis, according to an Oct. 11 email. Gaza’s health authorities reported that day a death toll of about 1,200.

As Israel defended the strikes, saying Hamas was using civilian buildings for military purposes, Russo wrote that U.S. diplomats in the Middle East were monitoring Arab media reports that accused Israel of waging a “genocide” and Washington of complicity in war crimes.

“The U.S.’s lack of response on the humanitarian conditions for Palestinians is not only ineffective and counterproductive, but we are also being accused of being complicit to potential war crimes by remaining silent on Israel’s actions against civilians,” Russo wrote.

At the time, emergency workers were struggling to save people buried under rubble from Israel airstrikes and the world’s sympathies were beginning to shift from murdered Israelis to besieged Palestinian civilians.

Addressing State Department leaders, Russo urged quick action to shift the administration’s public stance of unqualified support for Israel and its military operation in Gaza. “If this course is not quickly reversed by not only messaging, but action, it risks damaging our stance in the region for years to come,” he wrote. Russo resigned in March, citing personal reasons. He declined to comment.

The State Department’s top Middle East diplomat, Barbara Leaf, forwarded Russo’s email to White House officials including Brett McGurk, Biden’s top adviser for Middle East affairs. She warned that the relationship with Washington’s “otherwise would-be stalwart” Arab partners was at risk due to the kinds of concerns raised by Russo.

McGurk replied that if the question was whether the administration should call for a ceasefire, the answer was “No.” He added, however, that Washington was “100 pct” in favor of supporting humanitarian corridors and protecting civilians.

McGurk and Leaf declined to comment for this story.

Following Russo’s email, the public U.S. stance remained largely unchanged for the next two days, a review of public comments shows. U.S. officials continued to emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself and plans to provide Jerusalem with military aid.

“PUMP THE BREAKS”

On Oct. 13, two days after Russo’s email, Israeli aircraft dropped leaflets over northern Gaza, warning one million residents to leave their homes. Netanyahu gave residents 24 hours to flee as Israeli troops backed by tanks began a ground assault inside the Hamas-run territory of 2.3 million people. He vowed to annihilate Hamas for its attack.

The evacuation order alarmed aid agencies and the United Nations. By then, Israel’s air strikes had razed entire districts. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva issued a statement saying Israel’s order was “not compatible with international humanitarian law” because it would cut off food, water and other basic needs in Gaza. Privately, in a phone conversation that day with Stroul, ICRC Middle East director Fabrizio Carboni was more pointed, the emails show.

“ICRC is not ready to say this in public, but is raising private alarm that Israel is close to committing war crimes,” Stroul said in her Oct. 13 email, describing the conversation. Her email was addressed to senior White House officials including McGurk, along with senior State and Pentagon officials. “Their main line is that it is impossible for one million civilians to move this fast,” Stroul wrote. One U.S. official on the email chain said it would be impossible to carry out such an evacuation without creating a “humanitarian catastrophe.”

Asked about Carboni’s phone call with Stroul, the ICRC said it “constantly works with parties to armed conflicts and those who have influence with them to increase the respect for the laws of war in order to prevent civilian suffering in conflict. We consider such conversations to be strictly confidential.”

Publicly, the White House was expressing measured support for Israel’s plans. A White House spokesperson told reporters that such a huge evacuation was a “tall order” but that Washington would not second-guess Israel. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said U.S. military aid would continue flowing to Israel.

Privately, some senior U.S. officials were concerned there was no safe way out of densely populated Gaza, several senior U.S. officials told Reuters. Israel had imposed a blockade. Its southern neighbor, Egypt, would not open its borders as part of its long-standing policy to prevent a mass resettlement of Palestinians. Some Palestinians who fled northern Gaza were killed when Israel bombed cars and trucks.

In an email replying to Stroul, McGurk said Washington might be able to persuade Israel to extend the deadline for Palestinians to evacuate beyond 24 hours, saying the administration “can buy some time.” But the Red Cross, the UN and aid agencies should work with Egypt and Israel to prepare for the evacuation, he wrote.

McGurk, a long-time Iraq expert, likened the situation to the U.S.-led military operation against Islamic State militants in Mosul from 2016 to 2017, an assault that left the Iraqi city in ruins. He said the military and humanitarian strategy in the Mosul assault had been planned hand in hand. Two officials on the email chain replied that it would be impossible to put in place the necessary infrastructure with so little time. One reminded McGurk that the Mosul operation was the result of much longer planning. Humanitarian groups had months to set up and provide support for displaced civilians.

“Our assessment is that there’s simply no way to have this scale of a displacement without creating a humanitarian catastrophe,” Paula Tufro, a senior White House official in charge of humanitarian response, wrote in the email. It would take “months” to get structures in place to provide “basic services” to more than a million people. She asked that the White House tell Israel to slow its offensive.

“We need GOI (Government of Israel) to pump the brakes in pushing people south,” Tufro wrote.

Andrew Miller, then the deputy assistant secretary at the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, urged his colleagues to act fast.

“If we’re inclined to weigh in with the Israelis to dissuade them from seeking mass evacuations, we will have to do it soon, at a high level and at multiple touch points,” Miller wrote. He resigned in June, citing family reasons.

Biden’s public comments on Gaza had largely given Netanyahu a free hand against Hamas. At the time, Biden faced only scattered protests from the left wing of the Democratic Party over his support for Israel’s counterattack. Israel’s likening of the Hamas assault to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington resonated widely in the U.S.

The administration’s public stance began to change on Oct. 13. At a news conference in Doha, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for the first time publicly recognized the “suffering of Palestinian families in Gaza.” Washington was in constant talks with the Israelis and aid groups to help civilians in Gaza, he said.

The next day, Oct. 14, Biden’s rhetoric shifted. He said in a speech that he was urgently prioritizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and directed his team to help surge relief into the war zone. It is unclear if the emails by Russo and others influenced the statements from Blinken and Biden.

Although Israel began sending infantry into Gaza on Oct. 13, a large-scale ground invasion didn’t begin until Oct. 27. Sources familiar with the matter said at the time that Washington advised Israel to hold off, mainly to give time for diplomacy to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

From the early days of the conflict, the U.S. stressed that Israel has a right to defend itself but that how it does so matters, a State Department spokesperson said in response to questions for this story. “Israel has a moral imperative to mitigate the harm of its operations to civilians, something we have emphasized both publicly and privately,” the spokesperson said.

Stroul and Tuffro declined to comment. In a statement, Miller said the administration was “concerned about the humanitarian implications of a mass evacuation.” He added that “Israeli military plans were very inchoate at that stage and we were trying to develop a better understanding” of Israel’s “strategy and objectives.”

WEAPONS EXPEDITED

As U.S. officials assessed the humanitarian crisis, Israel pressed Washington for more arms.

On Oct. 14, a senior Israeli Embassy official in Washington urged the State Department to accelerate shipment of 20,000 automatic rifles for the Israeli National Police, according to the emails.

Israeli senior defense advisor Ori Katzav apologized in an Oct. 14 email to his State Department counterpart for disturbing her on the weekend but said the rifle shipment was “very urgent” and needed U.S. approval. Christine Minarich – an official at the State Department division that approves arms sales, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls – told Katzav the rifles would not be approved in the next 24 to 48 hours. Such large weapons shipments can take time, requiring State Department approval and notification to Congress.

Katzav and the Israeli Embassy declined to comment.

Jessica Lewis, then the assistant U.S. secretary for political and military affairs, forwarded Minarich’s email and Israel’s request for the rifles to the State Department’s Democracy, Labor and Human Rights (DRL) bureau. DRL reviews potential U.S. weapon sales to ensure they aren’t sent to militaries involved in rights abuses.

Lewis asked the bureau to expedite its review and “urgently” explain any opposition to specific arms packages for Israel, according to the emails. Lewis resigned in July.

Christopher Le Mon, deputy assistant secretary at DRL, recommended denying more than a dozen arms packages, including grenade launchers, gun parts, rifles and spare rifle parts. In a reply to Lewis, he cited concerns about the “conduct” of specific Israeli National Police units, including the elite Yamam border patrol unit.

Le Mon wrote that there were “numerous reports” of Yamam’s involvement in “gross violations of human rights.” DRL raised objections against 16 separate arms packages for Israel, according to the email and a source familiar with the matter. Nearly all the shipments went ahead despite the bureau’s objections, the source said. Yamam’s missions eventually included a June 8 rescue of four Israeli hostages that Gaza health officials say killed more than 200 Palestinians.

Minarich, Le Mon, Lewis and the Israeli Embassy declined to comment.

Washington has sent to Israel large numbers of munitions since the Gaza war began, including more than 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles, since the start of the war in Gaza, said two U.S. officials briefed on an updated list of weapons shipments.

Washington has sent to Israel large numbers of munitions since the Gaza war began, according to several U.S. officials with knowledge of the matter, including thousands of precision-guided missiles and 2,000-pound bombs that can devastate densely populated areas and have been used to collapse tunnels and bunkers.

Some rights groups blame the use of those weapons for civilian deaths. Amnesty International cited at least three incidents from Oct. 10 to January 2024 involving U.S.-supplied weapons that it said killed civilians, including women and children, in “serious violations” of international humanitarian law. In July, it warned of U.S. complicity in what it said was Israel’s unlawful use of U.S. weapons to commit war crimes – an accusation the U.S. has rejected.

A State Department report in May said Israel may be violating international law using U.S. weapons, but said it could not say so definitively due to the chaos of war and challenges in collecting data.

An Israeli Embassy spokesperson rejected accusations that Israel has targeted civilians. “Israel is a democracy that adheres to international law,” the spokesperson said.

(Additional reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington and Emma Farge in Geneva. Editing by Jason Szep)

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Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore’s extended stay in space

Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore’s extended stay in space

The Boeing Starliner launched from the International Space Station in June alongside veteran NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore. The mission was supposed to last eight days, but a technical error delayed the astronauts’ return and extended the mission by another eight months.

The Boeing Starliner capsule experienced propulsion problems, including a helium leak that led to the aborted return. The spacecraft’s service module reported several tiny helium leaks, making transport unsafe. Helium is critical to maintaining the spacecraft’s structural integrity and maneuverability. In addition to helium leaks, the spacecraft also found problems in its engines and valves.

The mission’s goal was to demonstrate the Boeing Starliner’s ability to carry people to the ISS. Boeing needed to tap into the space occupied by Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide crew transportation services to NASA.

The transport of Ms. Williams and Mr. Bilmore was Starliner’s first crewed flight.

SpaceX to the rescue

The NASA SpaceX spacecraft with Crew 9 members NASA astronaut Nick Hague (commander) and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov (mission specialist) docked at the International Space Station (ISS) last month to bring back Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore.

Crew 9 members will have two vacant spots for NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, which will be filled when the spacecraft returns next year.

The astronauts will now return home in February next year.

Interestingly, after weeks of extensive testing, the Starliner returned to Earth without a crew. Starliner’s return delayed Crew-9’s launch from mid-August to September because NASA wanted more time to assess Starliner’s reliability.

Hague and Gorbunov will stay in space for five months before returning home.

Survival in space

Williams and Bilmore’s extended stay raised concerns about their survival, particularly regarding food and oxygen supplies.

NASA assured that there was no immediate danger to the astronauts and that the ISS had sufficient supplies to support the crew for the additional time.

“The space station is well equipped with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing and oxygen,” NASA said. The agency stressed that regular resupply missions will ensure astronauts’ needs are met, citing the regular arrival of cargo spacecraft carrying food, fuel and supplies.

The space station announced that two spacecraft – one carrying “8,200 pounds of food, fuel and supplies” and one carrying “three tons of cargo” – recently arrived at the ISS.

Living in space for extended periods of time requires unique precautions. On the ISS, thanks to weightlessness, astronauts can sleep anywhere – on the floor, on the ceiling or on the walls. They use sleeping stations, similar to telephone booths, with sleeping bags and pillows attached to the floor, wall or ceiling. Astronauts can also make video calls, audio calls or send emails through NASA.

Aboard the ISS, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also have access to the vegetable production system (vegetable garden), which allows them to grow fresh produce and even flowers in space. During their extended stay, the duo experimented with different techniques to improve plant growth in space.