Posted on

Vance and Walz face off in the vice presidential debate, marking a key moment in political ascendancy

Vance and Walz face off in the vice presidential debate, marking a key moment in political ascendancy

When the drama died down, Vance used his next question to call out Mandel for instigating the drama. “What a joke,” he said to applause.

It was seen as a pivotal moment for Vance, who at that point was struggling to gain traction in the crowded primary.

“He looked a lot better than me,” Gibbons recalled in an interview with the Globe. “He said exactly the right thing at the right time. And honestly, he went up in the polls after that.”

Walz, who has won a series of closely contested U.S. House elections and two statewide contests for governor of Minnesota, has faced sharp attacks before but often ignored them or tried to deflect them with deceptively sharp humor.

In 2018, his first run for governor, Walz faced sustained pressure from his Republican opponent Jeff Johnson, who repeatedly pointed out that Walz did not fully answer sensitive questions about undocumented immigration and single-payer health care.

In one memorable moment, Johnson pressed Walz about his knowledge of TV attack ads from Alliance for a Better Minnesota, a key outside group that supports the Democrat, which Republicans called dishonest.

“Here’s my pro tip, Jeff,” Walz quipped. “I haven’t watched TV for the last two weeks.” He then defeated Johnson by more than 10 points.

The fight should remain strict verbally as Vance and Walz meet for their only vice-presidential debate in New York – a moment that will highlight that dramatic political rise of both men.

Vance, a relative political newcomer with less than two years in the Senate, is sharp and relentless in his message and has a keen sense of how to exploit a moment. Walz, completely new to the national stage despite his nearly two decades in office, is a seasoned debater who doesn’t enjoy going on the offensive. Instead, he uses his disarming personal style to connect with the audience and outwit his opponents.

Ultimately, both candidates probably understood their task on Tuesday: It’s not about sharpening their own profile and winning votes for themselves, but about standing up for the top positions. The task has taken on greater importance because former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are unlikely to debate again before Election Day.

Nevertheless, there is plenty of reason for the two to argue. Democrats may want Walz to be in the spotlight a series of controversial comments Vance has made about “childless cat ladies,” his previously strong opposition to Trump, or his fomenting right-wing panic about Haitian migrants in Ohio. Republicans are eager for Vance to thwart what they see as Walz’s left-wing agenda as governor and for him to analyze occasional misstatements Walz has made about his military career.

Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota, a longtime Walz ally, said Walz’s strength in big moments has always been that he is “relentlessly grounded.”

“Tim is so focused on who he is that when he moves into a different environment, like a national debate, he doesn’t try to become anything else,” Smith said. “He debated in farm fields, at fair stands and in many other places. I have no doubt he will be willing to argue the case.”

Walz always seemed more comfortable making off-the-cuff remarks at rallies and in one-on-one interviews than fighting an opponent. The governor’s messaging skills are a big reason for his rapid rise from relative obscurity. Before Harris was elected, his use of “strange” as a succinct attack on Trump and Vance was adopted by the entire party. His appearances on cable television greatly increased his share of VP discussions. Since his appointment as vice president, however, Walz has not given a single interview with a mainstream media outlet, while Vance has been inescapable.

Still, Democrats see Walz as well-equipped to counter sharp attacks from Vance. Marissa Luna, executive director of the Alliance for a Better Minnesota, said Walz’s authenticity and warmth are what have endeared him to voters so far.

“What we’ve seen from Trump, JD Vance and the Republicans are these really mean and crude personal attacks,” Luna said. “What Tim Walz has done consistently, and what he does well, is he doesn’t make these really inappropriate, personally demeaning attacks – he explains what his opponent has done to hurt people in their daily lives, which is backed up by him.” Proof.”

While Democrats are pleased that Walz is contrasting Vance in both content and style, Republicans see Vance as particularly well-prepared to counter the governor. They praise his instincts and intellect and demand that he be as aggressive as possible.

“JD Vance versus Tim Walz is like Mike Tyson versus a junior Olympian in a boxing match,” said Josh Culling, a Vance ally who has long been involved in Ohio GOP politics. “That’s why he’s here.”

Moments like Vance’s spread of debate combat on stage helped him stand out in a crowded 2022 GOP primary. In the general election, Vance struggled to defeat his Democratic rival, former Rep. Tim Ryan.

But Republicans recall a key exchange at a debate when Ryan Vance – who had expressed fears that an “invasion” of migrants would “replace” voters already here – linked him to the white supremacist gunman who had just killed ten black shoppers in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.

The typically even-tempered Vance responded angrily, citing his three children with his Indian-American wife.

“This is exactly what happens when the media and people like Tim Ryan accuse me of engaging in some grand replacement theory,” Vance said. “What is happening is that my own children – my biracial children – are being attacked online and in person by scumbags because you are so desperate for political power that you accuse me, the father of three beautiful biracial babies, of racism. We’re tired of it. You can believe in a limit without being a racist.”

Moments like these show Vance’s advantages, Culling said. “He is a critical thinker who is battle-tested – he has ideas and has had to defend them time and time again, often against unfair criticism. He is a willing fighter for these ideas, he really enjoys it.”

There appears to be a desire among some Republicans for Vance, a skilled debater, to poke holes in the Harris-Walz agenda in a way that Trump failed to do during the big presidential debate, when he frequently used personal insults and random ones secondary damage was distracted.

“I think he’ll handle himself a lot better than Trump,” Gibbons said. “I texted him and said, ‘I’m sure there are people more qualified than me to advise you, but let the JD Vance I know come through because that’s what people want see.'”

Democrats like Smith acknowledge that Vance is “political” as a debater, but claim Walz has proven he is no pushover.

“The thing about Tim is he’s going to be himself,” she said. “That’s why the Americans found him so likeable. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real.”


Sam Brodey can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @sambrodey.

Posted on

8 Practical Apps for iPhone Mirroring in iOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia

8 Practical Apps for iPhone Mirroring in iOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia

Is Apple’s new? iPhone mirroring function actually makes sense in the latest versions of iOS and MacOS? No matter where your iPhone is nearby – in another room where it’s charging or buried at the bottom of a bag – you can see and control it from your Mac.

CNET Tech Tips logo

Aside from the sheer convenience of not having to pick up the phone, I’ve found several reasons to use iPhone mirroring. In fact, I find myself using it regularly on my iPhone 16 since the release of iOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia. (And if you run this latest betaslets you experiment with one of the most interesting mirroring features, the ability to drag and drop items directly onto the phone and vice versa.)

Read more: How to control your iPhone from your Mac using iPhone mirroring

iOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia are available now and bring a variety of other features, such as: animated text messages and the ability to do so Customize your iPhone’s home screen.

Check this out: iPhone Mirroring comes to Macs with MacOS Sequoia

When your iPhone is in a pocket, purse or other room

The simplest use case is when you want to access something on your phone but it’s buried in a bag, just out of reach, or you can’t get up (or you can, but the snoozing cat or dog on your lap would don’t do that). I don’t appreciate the disruption). The connection via iPhone mirroring is much more convenient.

A MacBook Pro in the foreground is wirelessly connected to an iPhone in a case in the background via iPhone Mirroring. A MacBook Pro in the foreground is wirelessly connected to an iPhone in a case in the background via iPhone Mirroring.

iPhone mirroring on macOS Sequoia and iOS 18 lets you access your iPhone even when it’s in a bag or out of reach.

Jeff Carlson/CNET

However, this feature doesn’t work over long distances, such as if you accidentally left your iPhone at home and need to access it from work. iPhone mirroring uses Apple’s Continuity technology, which means the iPhone and Mac must be within Bluetooth range of each other.

If you need to check in via an iPhone app

Missed your daily Duolingo check-in and your phone isn’t at hand? If this is the case with your Mac, iPhone Mirroring can connect and ensure you keep your streak going.

Or maybe you need to complete today’s Wordle challenge, but while you’re working it would be too obvious that you’re looking at your phone. The discreet iPhone Mirroring window can be easily covered or hidden if necessary.

iPhone Mirror Why Duolingo iPhone Mirror Why Duolingo

Keep your Duolingo streak going even when your phone isn’t nearby.

Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

If you want to use an app, not a web interface

Even today, some popular services still work much better in apps than in web interfaces. Yes, we’re looking at you, Instagram. Posting through an app often includes more options or a better user experience. Because iPhone mirroring gives you almost complete access to the iPhone interface, you can post with a mouse cursor instead of a finger.

An iPhone mirrored on macOS using iPhone Mirroring shows CNET's Instagram profile page. An iPhone mirrored on macOS using iPhone Mirroring shows CNET's Instagram profile page.

Apps like Instagram offer more features than their web counterparts.

Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

If you want to quickly transfer items between devices (coming soon)

I take a lot of screenshots for work and personally take even more photos, all of which end up in my photo library. These images are then synced to my Mac via iCloud – but sometimes it seems to be at a pace aptly described as “when the phone gets around to it.” If I need something on my Mac immediately, I use AirDrop between devices, which It works, but it’s more complicated than I’d like.

Later this year, however, we’ll be able to drag and drop all types of files – not just images – between an iPhone and the Mac running the iPhone Mirroring app. This also works both ways: Drop a video or important PDF file from a Mac Finder window onto the mirrored iPhone to transfer it to the phone. (You can play with it now Beta versions for iOS 18.1 and MacOS Sequoia.)

A Mac laptop next to an iPhone on a stand, with hands using the trackpad to drag a file from MacOS Finder to the iPhone via iPhone Mirroring. A Mac laptop next to an iPhone on a stand, with hands using the trackpad to drag a file from MacOS Finder to the iPhone via iPhone Mirroring.

Drag and drop files from Mac to mirrored iPhone and vice versa.

Apple/Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

If you don’t want to clutter up your Mac with software junk

MacOS has a long history of supporting system extensions, startup items, and various background processes that you probably don’t realize are running most of the time. For example, some large application suites distribute these accessory files like a dropped Lego box. In many cases, resource consumption is negligible, but these parts still consume memory and processor power.

In contrast, iOS has always been built as a siled system, with each app having its own protected storage and tightly controlled routes for interacting with other apps. Especially for apps that you don’t use often but need to keep, you may want to install a mobile version to avoid the app creep that occurs on macOS.

iPhone Mirroring offers you the opportunity to continue using such an app on your Mac without infecting MacOS with all the associated junk that is normally installed.

If you want to log in to your bank’s app instead of doing so on the computer

Unfortunately, some of these suggestions focus on the theme of “an app is better than a website,” and there is often no better example than banking websites.

It can be easier and more secure to access your bank accounts or investments by using iPhone Mirroring to sign in with the iOS app instead of a web browser on your Mac. You’ll still need to authenticate the iPhone app when you open it (since you can’t use Face ID or Touch ID on the device), but that might be a more convenient option.

An iPhone mirrored on a macOS screen with the Bank of America app. An iPhone mirrored on a macOS screen with the Bank of America app.

Use safe apps that are only available on your phone, such as: B. the Bank of America app.

Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

If you want to access locked and hidden apps on your phone

In iOS 18, you can hide sensitive apps or require authentication (e.g. Face ID) to open them. If you’d rather use them on your phone rather than through an app or web interface on your Mac, iPhone Mirroring lets you access them when the phone isn’t nearby.

If you do this, the iPhone Mirroring app will require authentication via Mac, as expected. Enter your Mac’s login password, use Touch ID, or authenticate with your connected Apple Watch to open locked apps or reveal the hidden folder on your phone.

Three iPhone mirroring screens show the process of clicking on the hidden folder, entering your password to authenticate, and then visible apps in the folder. Three iPhone mirroring screens show the process of clicking on the hidden folder, entering your password to authenticate, and then visible apps in the folder.

Access the hidden app folder via iPhone mirroring.

Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNET

If you are giving a presentation and want to show what is on the iPhone

Admittedly, this is a smaller subset of use cases, but if you need to demonstrate something on iPhone during an online or in-person presentation, iPhone Mirroring is a far easier option than other methods.

Aside from installing an overhead camera, the predominant method is to connect the iPhone to a Mac via a cable and use QuickTime Player to display the phone’s screen. Then you would still have to use the phone with your hands.

With iPhone Mirroring, the phone can now be connected wirelessly and operated using your Mac’s trackpad or mouse and keyboard.

The main limitation with this approach is that the mirrored connection will be interrupted if you need to do something on the phone.

And a streaming restriction that we would like to see changed

An unknown feature between Apple devices is the ability to stream media from an iPhone to a Mac using AirPlay. Is it time to sit back and watch a movie or catch an episode of your favorite TV show? You can launch it on iPhone and target Mac with its larger screen.

Since iPhone mirroring allows you to control an iPhone that is out of reach, it would be nice to start a movie playing on the Mac screen. However, digital rights management kills this idea when it comes to iPhone mirroring. Even though you can open an app like TV and start a show, the picture remains black.

Netflix logo on the phone Netflix logo on the phone

Netflix appears as a black screen when you try to use it via iPhone mirroring.

James Martin/CNET

This black screen also occurs when you use AirPlay to stream while iPhone mirroring is active. This only works if you physically control the phone and stream to the Mac.

iPhone Mirroring is just a new feature on iPhone and Mac running iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Don’t miss it How to spice up your texts in messages and how to work with the updated Control Center.

Posted on

Donald Trump faces internet users’ wrath for falsely claiming Kamala Harris will ‘seize your car’

Donald Trump faces internet users’ wrath for falsely claiming Kamala Harris will ‘seize your car’

Former President Donald Trump threw a spontaneous tantrum during a speech in Walker, Michigan on Friday, September 27, in which he falsely accused Vice President Kamala Harris of wanting to “seize” people’s cars, money and guns.

US Vice President Kamala Harris in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, August 20, 2024, and former US President Donald Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA, August 15, 2024, are seen in a combination of file photos. REUTERS/Marco Bello, Jeenah Moon/File Photo (REUTERS)

Speaking to his supporters, Trump claimed: “If Kamala Harris wins, she’s going to take your cars, your money and your guns. She wants to confiscate all the guns, you know that.”

Trump also attacked Harris for recently visiting the border to “make up some lies like she said about the border law that stopped Trump.”

“Let me tell you, number one, I didn’t stop it. The senators stopped it. But this is the worst bill ever drafted. This is a waste of paper.”

ALSO READ| Donald Trump praises “good relations” with Vladimir Putin, “…let’s hope for good relations,” asks Zelenskyj

Social media platforms were soon flooded with reactions to Trump’s comments

Many accused Trump of exaggerating and making unfounded claims. As one user posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Listen to this idiot. Completely shit. By the way, during the debate, which Kamala won by a large margin, Kamala mentioned that she and Tim Walz are both gun owners and don’t take guns away from anyone.”

While another simply wrote: “Crazy idiot alert” in response to the viral clip of Trump’s rant.

“If you think that…Trump has already confiscated your brain,” one quipped.

Another agreed, saying, “Trump’s guns have already been confiscated because he’s a convicted felon.” Trump also said he wants to impose a 200% sales tax rate on all imported cars. So, he’s the one who’s going to take your money.”

Harris said, “If someone breaks into my house, they will be shot.”

Notably, Harris addressed the issue of gun ownership during “Unite for America” ​​with Oprah Winfrey, clarifying, “If someone breaks into my house, they’re going to get shot.” Sorry, I probably shouldn’t have said that! But my staff will take care of it later.”

The vice president shot back at Trump, saying, “This thing is about taking away everyone’s guns – Tim Walz (Harris’ vice president) and I are both gun owners.”

ALSO READ| Post-White House era: Is Joe Biden considering the Hollywood star’s Californian ranch as a new home? Rumors addressed

“We’re not taking away anyone’s guns, so stop lying about this stuff all the time.”

“Here’s my point of view, Oprah. I’m not trying to take away everyone’s guns. I believe in the Second Amendment. “It’s just common sense,” Harris said.

Posted on

Dirty soda shops want to be the next Starbucks

Dirty soda shops want to be the next Starbucks


new York
CNN

When Jordan Myrick first moved to California in high school and heard about dirty sodas, she wasn’t the biggest fan.

“It was a strange thing,” Myrick said.

But in 2023, Myrick, who said she was “hugely passionate about lemonade,” visited Utah on a “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City”-themed weekend trip. At a local shop called Thirst, she tried a classic dirty soda combination: Dr Pepper with coconut cream and raspberry syrup.

Now, “I’m begging them to open a location in Los Angeles,” she said.

Dirty soda is a non-alcoholic drink combined with creams, flavored syrups or fruits. The drinks are rooted in Mormon culture in the Mountain West, where the faith prohibits the consumption of coffee and alcohol. But thanks to social media, Mormon mom influencers and a new Utah-based reality TV show, the sugary drinks are becoming more mainstream — and the stores that popularize them have expansion ambitions to match.

However, some critics point out the drinks’ high sugar content and empty calories. And others wonder whether it’s just a passing fad for the rest of the country. Drinking more than one sugary soda per day puts you at risk for obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, both soda shops and their fans say you can make the drink healthier by using things like bottled water.

Beneath all that carbon dioxide is the fascination of Utah culture. In an episode of the Hulu reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a group of moms in matching hair extensions and workout clothes meet at Swig, the owners of the “Dirty Soda” brand. It is the self-proclaimed “vice” of wives.

“Six of the seven days of the week I drink at least one 44-ounce soda,” cast member Layla Taylor said on the show. “I’ll probably only live to be 50, but it makes me happy.”

Some people on social media have made videos recreating the moms’ complicated orders (44 ounces, sparkling water, sugar-free coconut, sugar-free vanilla, sugar-free raspberry, sugar-free pineapple, and coconut cream). Another on TikTok asked if Swig was the Mormon Starbucks.

Well, sort of.

“What we’re doing for soft drinks is a little bit what Starbucks did for coffee,” Swig CEO Alex Dunn told CNN. “People drank coffee before Starbucks came along, and of course people drank soft drinks before Swig, but we created this premium brand and experience based on that.”

Dirty sodas have their chance because, says Chris Goodchild, managing director of Boston Consulting Group, “more and more people are looking at them and using them to fulfill pleasure aspects.”

The skyrocketing popularity of soda shops is also spreading from the Mormon Corridor, a part of the western United States. Founded in 2010, Swig will be in 13 states by the end of the year and already has plans to open in two additional states in 2025. The expansions are focused on the South – Florida, Kentucky and the Carolinas are among their plans – but Kansas, Indiana and Missouri in the Midwest also have or will have locations.

The company, which launched with 61 stores in 2024, has ambitious plans to open 1,000 new stores in the next six to seven years. Swig is not a publicly traded company and has not disclosed details of its financials.

While Swig appears to be the market leader based on the number of stores, competitors are catching up. FiiZ has opened around 60 stores, followed by Sodalicious with 25. The fast food drive-in Sonic is offering its customers the Dr. Pepper option to “get it dirty.” This year Coffee Mate even collaborated with Dr. Pepper launched a limited-edition coconut lime creamer to make dirty lemonade at home.

Dairy products mixed with soda are nothing new to much of the world. In the Punjab region of South Asia, doodh soda (directly translated as milk lemonade) is a popular lemon-lime drink, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan. Persians indulge in doogh, a carbonated yogurt drink. Korean “milkis” are a staple in K-towns and are sold in a variety of flavors from banana to apple. And of course there’s the classic American ice cream truck, reminiscent of the days of soda drinkers who ran soda fountains in the 20th century.

Soft drink manufacturers have themselves tried to sell milk and soda to American customers. Two years ago, Pepsi launched a campaign to try out the combination, calling it a “secret hack among Pepsi fans” and naming Lindsay Lohan the face of “Pilk.”

But it’s the breezy drive-thru soda shops — with drink names like Poppin’ Pineapple and Unlucky Ducky — that have brought these drinks into the national consciousness.

And if there’s one thing the American consumer loves, it’s variety, Goodchild said. Stores like Swig offer a mind-boggling selection of options to express your crazy beverage preferences. On a diet? Replace cola with mineral water. You can add a fresh lime, artificial syrups from raspberry to toasted marshmallow, and mix it with fruit puree, coconut cream, vanilla cream – or a combination of all three.

Like coffee chains like Starbucks and Dutch Bros, consumers value a personalized experience.

“It’s almost a form of self-expression. That’s my drink, that’s what I want,” Goodchild said.

What surprised Myrick most about dirty soda shops was the sheer amount of choices.

“I really thought I was just going to go to a restaurant that only served Diet Coke with half of it,” Myrick said.

Swig’s demographic is female and younger (18 to 45 years old). Swig has certainly benefited from the use of social media and claims that most social media posts are organic. Nara Smith, a Mormon The social media personality and model even filmed herself sampling the sweet drinks in her car.

The liquor stores also cover car-dependent cities and suburbs. Swig’s locations are only about 1,200 to 1,800 square feet, further emphasizing the chain’s drive-thru focus — although the same model may not be as successful in major cities. Most other chains also offer drive-thru locations.

Soda shops need to continue making drinks relevant as social media evolves, especially with such ambitious growth goals.

“As it continues to rise, you would expect to see either traditional providers offering these types of things in their existing stores or some traditional providers expanding into new formats,” Goodchild said.

When a drink is hard to find, more people are drawn to its allure. This type of format and technology already exists and could be a future competitor if dirty soda becomes sufficiently mainstream – a Coca-Cola-style Freestyle machine the company launched in 2009 could easily start with, half and half or add syrup. And social media users who live far from soda shops are already creating “dupes” at Wawas and 7-Elevens, but using gas station milk instead of paying a soda barista.

Yet Cool Sips, a Swig-style soda shop, has opened even in overpriced, latte-loving New York City. However, it may take some time for it to become a permanent part of the culture in the Northeast.

“It’s something you grow up with and it could be an alternative, but it’s not just comparable if you’re already a coffee drinker,” said Klea Mulla of New York City. “It’s difficult here because the liquor stores have a drive-thru feel.”

Posted on

Wolves vs Liverpool Live Stream: Premier League Prediction, TV Channel, Where to Watch Online, Time, News

Wolves vs Liverpool Live Stream: Premier League Prediction, TV Channel, Where to Watch Online, Time, News

untitled-design-2024-09-28t113752-799.png
Getty Images

With four wins and just one defeat in the first opening games of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Arne Slot’s Liverpool are level on points with Aston Villa on 12 points, one point behind leaders Manchester City, who drew their last key game against Arsenal at the Etihad. Stadium. The Reds face Wolverhampton, one of the most struggling teams in England, having picked up just one point from their first five games of the new season. Here are our storylines, how to watch the game and more:

How to watch and ratings

  • Date: Saturday September 28th | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Molineux Stadium – Wolverhmapton, England
  • Live stream: peacock
  • Opportunities: Wolverhmapton +700; Draw +400; Liverpool -280

Storylines

Wolverhampton: After picking up just one point from the opening five games of the Premier League season, Saturday’s clash against Liverpool could be a good opportunity for the home side to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation after a disappointing summer transfer window and start to the season. Coach Gary O’Neil is already at great risk of being sacked if results don’t improve in the next few weeks.

Liverpool: The club’s latest signing, Federico Chiesa, is finally getting more minutes, as Arne Slot himself explained after the Carabao Cup win over West Ham, and it is likely that he will also play more against Wolves this weekend: “It was “It’s pleasing to see that he’s been able to play 60 minutes already, because I think I said in the last press conference that he hasn’t played much in the last three or four months, maybe hardly at all. So it’s important for him to get more match fitness, he has to have playing minutes.”

forecast

After a good start to the season against one of the biggest disappointments of the new season, it should be a pretty easy win for Liverpool. Choose: Liverpool 3, Wolves 0.

Posted on

Ind vs Ban: What a washed-out Kanpur Test means for India’s WTC final

Ind vs Ban: What a washed-out Kanpur Test means for India’s WTC final

NEW DELHI: Rain and a wet outfield played spoilsport in the second Test between India and India Bangladesh at Green Park Stadiumas the weather threatens to jeopardize India’s quest for a place in the world World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Only 35 overs were bowled on the first day as Bangladesh struggled to 107/3 at Indian pace Akash Deep impressive by taking two crucial wickets. However, persistent drizzle on the second day left the cover open and raised concerns that a significant portion of the game could be lost.
India is currently at the top of the WTC standings with a PCT score of 71.67 percentage points after ten games and is therefore well placed to reach the final for the third time in a row. With a 2-0 series win against Bangladesh, India would have needed just three wins from the remaining eight games to secure a place in the series WTC final.
However, with the threat of heavy rain in the second Test, a draw could complicate India’s path to the final.
Should this Test end in a draw, India will need to win five of their next eight Test matches to cement their place in the WTC final, assuming other contenders for a place in the top two do not lose points.
This presents a more challenging route for India as everything will likely need to be cleaned there New Zealand 3-0 at home and secure at least two wins in the five games Border-Gavaskar series against Australia Under.
India have won the last two series in Australia but repeating that feat will be a daunting task, especially with the pressure of WTC qualification hanging over them. The team’s dominant home record combined with recent successes Down Under gives India some confidence, but the margin for error has narrowed significantly if this game goes to waste.
The home series against New Zealand will be crucial for India’s campaign. While the Indian team has been virtually unbeatable on home soil, a 3-0 win against the New Zealanders is crucial to ease the burden of having to win multiple away games in Australia.
Given India’s history in Australia, two wins in the Border-Gavaskar series would still be an impressive result, but the challenge is immense.
The Indian camp is hoping for a rain break so that play can resume in Kanpur. Any session lost due to weather could mean India faces an uphill battle en route to the WTC final. With a host of talented bowlers, including Akash Deep, already impressing in the game, India will look to grab every opportunity to take control of the game once the weather clears.
There is a lot at stake and India’s immediate focus remains on Bangladesh. However, the shadow of WTC qualification is looming, with Green Park Stadium’s rain-soaked outfield adding unwanted complexity to India’s otherwise well-thought-out plans.

Posted on

He mourned his missing fiancée for a decade. Then he was charged with her murder.

He mourned his missing fiancée for a decade. Then he was charged with her murder.

Katelyn Markham had been dating John Carter for five years and they had been engaged for a year when she went missing in 2011.

John Carter seemed desperate to find his missing fiancée.

On the night of August 14, 2011 – less than 24 hours after Katelyn Markham was last seen in the Cincinnati suburb where she lived – Carter called 911 and reported her missing. In the months and years that followed, he repeatedly provided the police with information. He addressed local and national media pleading for her return, and in an interview he told NBC’s “TODAY” show that he still calls her daily on her cell phone.

“This is everything I hoped for,” he then said.

But last year — more than a decade after Markham’s remains were discovered in a makeshift Indiana landfill — Carter’s self-portrayal as a desperate partner unraveled with a stunning development: He was charged with two counts of murder in Markham’s death.

Weeks before his trial was scheduled to begin this June, there was more surprising news: Prosecutors had agreed to drop charges if Carter pleaded guilty to the lesser crime of involuntary manslaughter.

On July 18, a judge sentenced Carter, 36, to the maximum sentence allowed under Ohio law of three years.

Katelyn Markham Murder Investigation Date (Dateline)Katelyn Markham Murder Investigation Date (Dateline)

John Carter with Katelyn Markham.

In an interview with “Dateline,” Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser explained why he decided to file charges against Carter after more than a decade — and why he agreed to drop them in exchange for a felony plea to drop it, which resulted in a far less severe punishment.

“I know that there are a number of people who will judge me for accepting a plea deal that only allows them a three-year prison sentence,” Gmoser said, adding: “For me it doesn’t matter It’s one day or six days or six months. “Whether it’s six years or 60 years, it was more important to me to get justice for Katelyn Markham by admitting guilt.”

Carter’s defense team and his family did not comment on the agreement. Carter did not discuss the agreement at his sentencing; One of his lawyers said his client has accepted responsibility for Markham’s death.

Katelyn Markham (Dave Markham) murder investigation dateKatelyn Markham (Dave Markham) murder investigation date

Katelyn Markham.

In an interview with “Dateline,” Markham’s father, Dave, described the moment he learned of the deal as painful and shocking, but said he understood that a single juror could have prevented a possible conviction if the case had gone to trial .

“There was a possibility that John could walk, and I didn’t want that,” he said.

The night she disappeared

When she disappeared, Katelyn Markham, a 21-year-old student known for her bold personality and artistic talent, had been dating Carter for five years and they had been engaged for a year. They planned to move to Colorado, and in a media interview shortly after her disappearance, Carter – then a pizza delivery driver at Papa John’s – called her “the love of my life.”

In interviews with police, Carter recounted their last night together. A friend stopped by the Fairfield home where Markham lived before Carter left to meet another friend, according to video of an interview Carter gave to Fairfield police. Markham stayed home, Carter told authorities.

Carter said he went to his mother’s house, where he lived, around 2 a.m. and watched a favorite show before falling asleep around 4 a.m., according to the video. When he hadn’t heard from his fiancée the next evening, he panicked and called 911.

Investigators confirmed that Carter had attended the meeting, police records show, and found on his computer that he had watched episodes of “White Collar.”

Investigators believe Carter was held accountable that night, according to an FBI report on the case that Fairfield police sought advice from.

But years later, an investigator in Gmoser’s office who reinvestigated the case found reasons to doubt Carter’s account.

Doubts begin to arise

One possible eyewitness account came from two teenagers who were in Carter’s neighborhood early August 14, 2011, the night Markham disappeared. After their skeletal remains were discovered in the landfill nearly two years later, on April 7, 2013, the teens contacted police and told them they had seen something strange at Carter’s home, according to summaries of their interviews in the case file .

They had sneaked out to go to a party, they said, and around 2 a.m. two cars slowly pulled up to Carter’s house, including one they recognized as Carter’s red Ford, according to the filing. None of the cars had their lights on. About five minutes later, one of the teens said, Carter’s car pulled out of the garage and the two cars drove off, the filing said.

Rebecca Ervin, the lead investigator who originally investigated the case, described her accounts as “suspicious” in part because Carter’s computer activity had pinpointed his whereabouts, the filing said.

Katelyn Markham (Dave Markham) murder investigation dateKatelyn Markham (Dave Markham) murder investigation date

Katelyn Markham.

But investigators in Gmoser’s office uncovered details that also called this part of Carter’s account into question: Carter’s online search history from the day he reported Markham missing indicated that he had been searching the Internet for broadcast summaries he had supposedly seen. Gmoser said.

Gmoser said he believes Carter read the summaries to create an alibi.

When investigators in Gmoser’s office re-interviewed the witnesses who said they saw Carter’s red Ford without its lights on, they presented the same report as in 2013, and in Gmoser’s view, what they saw that morning was more crucial Significance Piece of evidence that may link Carter to the case.

Ervin was “convinced” that Carter was not involved, Gmoser said. “She was wrong.”

Ervin, who still works for the Fairfield Police Department and holds the rank of major, declined to speak to Dateline about the case. In an email, current Fairfield Police Chief Stephen Maynard disputed Gmoser’s comments.

Maynard said Carter was never eliminated as a suspect, and he provided what he called a more accurate statement: “Detective Ervin did not believe there was enough evidence to conclude that Carter was responsible for Markham’s death.” “, he wrote.

“She has to die”

Gmoser assumed that by early 2023 his investigators and prosecutors had put together a case against Carter that they believed would not get any tougher. On March 13 of that year, a grand jury indicted Carter on murder charges in Markham’s death. He pleaded not guilty.

At a subsequent hearing in a Butler County courtroom, Gmoser revealed that investigators had found disturbing poems in Carter’s diary: “Deep down, I love her,” he said Carter wrote. “You want to kill her. But I love her. She has to die.”

And, “I know I’ll bury the body in the back yard, no, I’ll bury it under the trailer and wait for the grass to grow over it before anyone reports it missing.”

Katelyn Markham (Dave Markham) murder investigation dateKatelyn Markham (Dave Markham) murder investigation date

Katelyn Markham.

In a search warrant canceled in April of this year, prosecutors identified a possible motive for her death. Although Carter had described Markham as the love of his life, before her disappearance, Markham told a friend that she was tired of her relationship and was reconsidering an upcoming move to Colorado.

“Someone in John’s core group expressed to me that it would be catastrophic for John if Katelyn broke up with John,” Paul Newton, lead investigator for the Butler County District Attorney’s Office, told Dateline.

Prosecutors also learned that a former neighbor of Markham’s – their apartments shared a wall when she disappeared in 2011 – recalled hearing an argument in Markham’s apartment on the night of August 13, 2011. According to a video of an interview Newton conducted with the woman, she said she heard a woman on the other side of the wall shout “Stop!” – then a thud.

But all the evidence investigators uncovered was circumstantial. There was no forensic, eyewitness or video evidence directly linking Carter to Markham’s death, Gmoser said. Prosecutors also couldn’t say much about how she was killed.

Although Markham’s remains were found and the medical examiner’s office concluded she died by homicide, officials were unable to determine a cause of death, according to the files.

A litany of questions remained unanswered, Gmoser told Dateline. Was Markham killed in Indiana? Did she go there voluntarily? Did she leave her apartment alone?

“These are all open questions,” he said.

An admission of guilt

Gmoser said no one in his office had spoken to Carter’s lawyers about the possibility of a settlement. Weeks before his trial was scheduled to begin this summer, a defense attorney asked prosecutors whether they would consider allowing Carter to plead guilty to a third-degree felony negligent homicide or causing the death of another through an administrative offense.

“I told him to take it,” Gmoser said. “It happened almost so quickly.”

He made the decision in just a few minutes, Gmoser said, but it developed over months as he “examined every circumstantial evidence of how it would be attacked, as I would have attacked it as a defense attorney.”

“I knew what to expect,” said Gmoser.

Because the statute of limitations has expired on other possible crimes, such as tampering with evidence or desecrating a corpse, manslaughter is the only available charge his office can pursue under the agreement, he said.

Gmoser could have required Carter to provide a report on Markham’s death. But that, said Gmoser, would have led to negotiations. And he wanted to be sure prosecutors got an admission of guilt, he said.

“I took responsibility,” said Gmoser. “I’ll take that.”

Posted on

Ongoing cockroach problems. Flies. Leaks. Wichita KS restaurant, hotel inspections

Ongoing cockroach problems. Flies. Leaks. Wichita KS restaurant, hotel inspections

Seventeen restaurants, hotels and other businesses in and around Wichita were out of compliance during food safety and lodging inspections conducted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture from Sept. 15-21.

They were cited for a number of violations, including ongoing cockroach infestations, flies landing on food and surfaces that touch food, moldy bathtub caulking, water leaks, missing information and equipment, dirty equipment, missing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, foods that weren’t stored at safe temperatures, an employee who didn’t wash their hands and more, according to inspection reports.

Information about the food establishments and hotels and motels, as well as a summary of their violations, appears below. All of the businesses listed are located in Sedgwick County. The list was compiled Sept. 25.

More than 40 establishments passed their inspections Sept. 15-21. A list of those also appears below. Some may have been non-compliant in previous weeks.

Business owners and managers can contact Eagle reporter Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected] to comment on inspection results that appear in this story. Comments will be added to the online version of this article.

More details about inspections are in The Eagle’s searchable database of non-compliant restaurant and hotel inspections at www.kansas.com/databases.

Out-of-compliance inspections

54 Craft & Co., 549 S. Rock Road in Wichita — One violation on Sept. 16 during a follow-up inspection. Water wasn’t hot enough at a three-compartment sink. Next inspection: Nov. 16.

Andy’s Frozen Custard, 10788 W. 21st St. in Wichita — Three violations on Sept. 17 during a routine inspection. Water wasn’t hot at a bathroom sink, containers of brownies and candies didn’t have lids on them to protect them from contamination including from flies, flies in restaurant were landing on food and surfaces that touch food. Next inspection: Sept. 27.

Andy’s Frozen Custard, 3425 E. Douglas in Wichita — Three violations on Sept. 18 during a routine inspection. Water wasn’t hot at a bathroom sink, flies in the restaurant were landing on food and surfaces that touch food, a fly landed on brownies that weren’t covered. The next inspection date wasn’t provided.

Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita East, 12111 E. Central in Wichita — Sixteen violations on Sept. 17 during a complaint inspection. There was no cleaning or sanitizing solution in the fitness rooms for guests to use, no towels in the fitness room, no ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets by sinks in some rooms, emergency lights didn’t work, carbon monoxide detectors weren’t checked every six months, smoke alarms didn’t work in two rooms, issue with smoke alarm testing logs, broken microwave, freezers in rooms had individual ice trays in them which isn’t allowed, moldy bathtub caulking, bottles of floor and surface cleaners weren’t labeled, the carbon monoxide detectors in the boiler room and the laundry room weren’t working, no carbon monoxide detector testing logs on site, smoke alarms aren’t checked every six months, no single-use gloves in laundry room. Next inspection: Sept. 27.

Chick N Max, 3520 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 in Wichita — Four violations on Sept. 18 during a routine inspection. Several foods including cheeses and chicken weren’t cold enough in a refrigerated preparation table, leaky carbonator below soda dispenser, hand-washing sink was blocked by a drink cooler and a bucket, equipment including lids and spatulas were still dirty even though they were in clean storage. Next inspection: Sept. 28.

Delux Inn, 8401 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — Nine violations on Sept. 17 during a complaint inspection. No records showing carbon monoxide detectors are checked every six months, bottle of air freshener wasn’t labeled, no single-use gloves in laundry room, leaky sink in laundry room, no fire extinguishers on the outside of the motel, no records showing smoke detectors are checked every six months, no emergency management plan available to employees, no smoke detectors in some rooms, battery is missing in a smoke detector. Next inspection: Sept. 27.

Economy Hotel Plus Wichita, 5805 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — Three violations on Sept. 17 during a follow-up inspection. Leaky pipe in laundry room ceiling and standing water in the basement, water was coming from under the door for the electrical and sprinkler room, standing water in the hallway, trash and dirt on carpets throughout the building. Next inspection: Nov. 17.

Fat Ernie’s Family Dining, 2806 S. Hydraulic in Wichita — Five violations on Sept. 18 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. A pitcher was blocking hand-washing sink, cockroaches in cabinets and in dining room, cockroaches in kitchen, flies, large gap above screen door in kitchen, several dead insects in building including bugs next to bakery supplies and in clean containers, dead cockroaches, containers and pans soiled with sticker residue were in clean storage. Next inspection: Nov. 18.

Fish and More, 2021 S. Oliver in Wichita — Four violations on Sept. 17 during a routine inspection. Cooked food wasn’t held at a safe temperature, no probe food thermometer, catfish nuggets and catfish steaks weren’t kept hot enough, there isn’t a hand-washing sink in a shed where the restaurant prepares yams and cornbread. Next inspection: Sept. 27.

Jacky Chan Sushi, 7820 E. Harry in Wichita — Six violations on Sept. 19 during a routine inspection. Cooked rice left at room temperature, cabbage and cooked pork weren’t held at safe temperatures, no paper towels at bathroom sink, tuna was thawing in intact vacuum packaging, missing information related to cooking and storage procedures for cooked sushi rice, no soap at sink, sushi rice wasn’t labeled with the time it was made. Next inspection: Sept. 29.

Magnolia Cafe, 2424 N. Woodlawn, Suite 111 in Wichita — Nine violations on Sept. 19 during a routine inspection. Several containers of food including chicken salad and sausage gravy weren’t labeled with the correct preparation dates, sticker residue on pans in clean storage, sanitizer stored above uncovered containers of sugar and flour, pan of raw salmon was stored above pan of cooked sausages, bottle of degreaser wasn’t labeled, restaurant doesn’t have a disclosure on menu warning customers of the risks of eating undercooked or raw meats and seafood, cooked sausage wasn’t kept hot enough, the date wasn’t recorded on seafood shell stock tags, shell stock tags weren’t kept in chronological order. Next inspection: Oct. 19.

McDonald’s, 3430 S. Hydraulic in Wichita — One violation on Sept. 17 during a complaint inspection. Flies throughout restaurant. Next inspection: Sept. 27.

O.J. Watson Park Concession Stand, 2901 S. Old Lawrence in Wichita — One violation on Sept. 15 during a routine inspection. No test strips to measure the strength of chlorine sanitizer. Next inspection: Sept. 25.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, 7626 E. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — Five violations on Sept. 17 during a complaint inspection. Gap in back door, flies throughout restaurant, restaurant had cans of insecticide that are rated for use in homes only, several foods including yogurt and meatballs weren’t kept cold enough in refrigeration, sticker residue on plastic containers in clean storage. Next inspection: Sept. 27.

Tom’s Lotus Garden, 822 S. Broadway in Wichita — Three violations on Sept. 19 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. A gap around a screen door could let pests in the building, cockroaches in cooler and other areas including in kitchen and by ice machine, dead bugs and grease throughout the kitchen. The next inspection date wasn’t provided on the inspection report.

U Hungry Truck (mobile vendor/food truck), 4701 N. Glendale in Bel Aire — Four violations on Sept. 20 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. Flies, lettuce and cheese weren’t cold enough in refrigeration, fly landed on serving spoon, employee didn’t sanitize spoon after washing it. Next inspection: Nov. 20.

Ziggy’s Pizza, 13605 W. Maple, Suite 111 in Wichita — Six violations on Sept. 16 during a routine inspection. No test strips to measure concentration of sanitizer, dirty can opener, no probe food thermometer, hard-boiled eggs weren’t labeled with their preparation dates, employee didn’t wash hands between handling dirty and clean dishes, pans of cooked chicken wings weren’t covered in the walk-in cooler. The business was in compliance during a follow-up inspection conducted the same day.

Bed bugs. Dead cockroaches. Flies. Grease. Wichita KS restaurant, hotel inspections

Cook didn’t wash after nose wipe. Feces. Bugs. Wichita KS restaurant, hotel checks

How do businesses fail inspections?

Businesses fall out of compliance when they have too many violations, issues that can cause a foodborne illness, when a problem can’t be fixed right away, such as bug and rodent infestations, and more. But most violations are minor and are corrected while an inspection is taking place.

Typically, establishments are reinspected within 10 days to ensure they are following the rules.

It’s rare for a business to shut down over a failed inspection. But it can happen. Usually, closures are temporary, voluntary and due to major problems, such as sewage backups, pest infestations, and water or power outages.

The lists in this story include only businesses from Sedgwick County. But you can search food and lodging inspection results anywhere in Kansas at https://foodsafety.kda.ks.gov/FoodSafety/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx.

Complaint? Here’s how to submit it

If you see problems at a food or lodging establishment, you can file a complaint.

To notify the state about unsavory or questionable conditions anywhere that serves or sells food to the public, email [email protected] or call 785-564-6767. You can also file a complaint at www.foodsafetykansas.org.

To report an illness you think was caused by a restaurant, food or event where food is served, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317 or www.foodsafetykansas.org.

Complaints about conditions at hotels and motels can be submitted at www.agriculture.ks.gov/public-resources/comments-complaints/lodging-complaint.

For more information about foodborne illnesses, visit www.foodsafety.gov.

These businesses passed inspections

  • Allen Elementary School, 1881 S. Elpyco in Wichita

  • Artichoke Sandwichbar (mobile vendor/food truck), 811 N. Broadway in Wichita

  • Breezy’s Snow Shack, 716 E. Dover Drive in Valley Center

  • Calvin’s Hamburger Haven, 2417 S. Seneca, Suite 100 in Wichita

  • Chisholm Trail Elementary School, 6015 Independence in Park City

  • Clearwater Elementary School West, 100 S. Prospect in Clearwater

  • Clearwater High School, 1201 E. Ross in Clearwater

  • Culver’s, 3220 N. Maize Road in Wichita

  • Dollar General, 3445 N. Womer in Wichita

  • DZ Ice Cream & Frozen Treats (mobile vendor/food truck), 142 S. Meridian in Valley Center

  • Friends University – Retail, 2100 W. University in Wichita

  • Grace Market, 1030 S. Oliver in Wichita

  • Haysville Middle School, 900 W. Grand in Haysville

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wichita Northeast, 2340 N. Greenwich in Wichita

  • Hong Kong Express, 7900 E. Harry in Wichita

  • Lady Burritos, 204 W. Greenway in Derby

  • Leeker’s Deli on the Go (mobile vendor/food truck), 6223 N. Broadway in Park City

  • Lee’s Chinese Restaurant, 6215 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita

  • Maize Middle School, 4600 N. Maize Road in Maize

  • Natural of Course, 8000 W. Central, Suite 100 in Wichita

  • Ossman Concessions (mobile vendor/food truck), 1221 N. Curtis in Wichita

  • Panda Express, 2760 N. Maize Road in Wichita

  • Paradise Donuts, 612 E. Douglas in Wichita

  • Pink Elephant Games and Cafe, 2431 W. Pawnee in Wichita

  • Rex Elementary School, 1100 W. Grand in Haysville

  • Riverside Cafe, 9125 W. Central in Wichita

  • Round1 Bowling & Arcade inside Towne East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite G03J in Wichita

  • Scooter’s Coffee, 3123 N. Rock Road in Wichita

  • Scooter’s Coffee, 13335 W. Maple in Wichita

  • SnackShack and Us (mobile vendor/food truck), 9923 W. Binter Lane in Wichita

  • Sonic Drive-In, 1024 E. Louis Blvd. in Mulvane

  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, 645 N. 119th St. West in Wichita

  • Super 8 by Wyndham Wichita North, 3741 N. Rock Road in Wichita

  • Supermercado Del Pueblo, 2128 N. Broadway in Wichita

  • Taco Bell, 6515 E. 37th St. North in Wichita

  • Taco Shop, 1652 S. Webb in Wichita

  • Tacos Uruapan (mobile vendor/food truck), 1021 S. Topeka in Wichita

  • Tanganyika Wildlife Park, 1037 S. 183rd St. West in Goddard

  • Tiendita La Pelota, 2819 S. Fees in Wichita

  • Viola Groceries, 26320 W. K-42 Highway in Viola

  • Wadadli Island Cuisine (mobile vendor/food truck), 228 S. Ceymarie Circle in Wichita

  • Walmart Supercenter, 501 E. Pawnee in Wichita

  • Whiskey Dicks, 801 S. Seneca in Wichita

  • Wichita Heights High School, 5301 N. Hillside in Wichita

  • Ziggy’s Pizza, 13605 W. Maple, Suite 111 in Wichita

Note: Sometimes addresses listed — especially for mobile vendors and food trucks — are not where food is actually served to the public. Contact those establishments directly for specific service locations.

As locals rallied to save a Wichita cafe, legal tensions were brewing between its owners

One of Old Town Square’s longest-running restaurants is leaving, bound for the west side

Shuttered Kansas truck stop restaurant revived by cook who dreamed of having his own place

Posted on

Watch Louisville vs Notre Dame game today: Channel, Time, Streaming

Watch Louisville vs Notre Dame game today: Channel, Time, Streaming

No. 17 Louisville Football will be on the road today for its first Top 20 matchup of the season.

The Cardinals (3-0) play No. 14 Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium.

Watch Louisville vs Notre Dame Live on Fubo (Free Trial)

In their last game, the host Cardinals defeated No. 11 Notre Dame 33-20.

Here’s how to watch the Louisville vs. Notre Dame game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

TV channel: N/A

Live stream: peacock

Louisville vs. Notre Dame will be broadcast nationally on Peacock in Week 5 of the 2024 college football season. Paul Burmeister and Jason Garrett will referee the game from the locker room at Notre Dame Stadium, with Zora Stephenson reporting from the sidelines.

Posted on

Why Kerala HC’s denial of bail to Malayalam actor Siddique is a perfect counter to the ‘belated complaint’ argument

Why Kerala HC’s denial of bail to Malayalam actor Siddique is a perfect counter to the ‘belated complaint’ argument

The Kerala High Court’s decision to deny bail to Malayalam actor Siddique is a stark reminder that late filing of a complaint by a survivor does not equate to false accusation or malicious intent. On the contrary, it reflects the complex and difficult reality that assault victims face when they come forward.

Often, the legal system and society at large question the timing of a survivor’s actions rather than the trauma that influences these delays. The court’s rejection of this “uncharitable view” of Siddique’s legal team is a step towards eliminating this deep-rooted bias.

With the Hema Committee’s report on sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry now out, it is clear that the delay in reporting the perpetrator is often due to fear, coercion and the power dynamics that suppress voices. Many women in the industry have started speaking out about their “terrible experiences” at the hands of veteran actors.

In Siddique’s case, a young actress filed a complaint against him with the Thiruvananthapuram police in August over an alleged rape incident that occurred around 2018. She accused him of raping her in the posts mentioned in 2019 but later came forward and recorded her statement with the Hema Committee. She subsequently filed an FIR with the Thiruvananthapuram police, which forced Siddique to resign as general secretary of AMMA, the Malayalam Film Artists’ Association.

The court took seriously the sweeping statements on the matter and criticized the attack on the survivor’s late filing of the complaint. It described these as “reckless, defamatory and intended to damage the plaintiff’s image”.

The survivor in this case, in which Siddique applied for bail, like many others, had to endure years of trauma before she could speak her truth. Her defense in court of why his bail should be denied highlighted the brutality she faced and her lawyer argued that Siddique should be arrested and not released on bail.

The Kerala High Court cited several Supreme Court precedents that underscore the fact that delay in reporting cannot weaken the prosecution’s case. Furthermore, the Hema Committee’s findings appear to have emboldened many victims of sexual assault, including the one in the Siddique case.

Sharing the Supreme Court’s observations in the recent case *Bilkis Yakub Rasool v. Union of India* (2024), Justice Dias said, “A woman deserves respect irrespective of her status in society, her faith or beliefs.”

Siddique is charged with rape and criminal intimidation. The special investigation team set up to probe complaints from survivors of the Malayalam film industry who have alleged serious crimes like rape, molestation and mental harassment is now looking for this senior Malayalam actor. The police have also issued a notice in his name and published it along with his photograph in various Malayalam and English newspapers across Kerala. Siddique has been missing since the court rejected his bail application on September 24.

According to the survivor’s complaint to the police commissioner, Siddique first contacted her through Facebook in 2014. Over the years, he built a relationship with her and her family, offering her career support and encouraging her to enter the film industry. In 2016, she attended a preview of his film “Sukhamayirikatte” with her parents. This was the first time she met the defendant, as described in the bail order. After the film, he invited her to lunch at the Mascot Hotel to discuss a new film in which his son was to star, and she met him in his hotel room.

When Siddique was alone with her in his hotel room, his behavior became predatory.

“The defendant had the survivor sit in a chair next to his bed and explained the adjustments and compromises that are expected of women in order to excel in this field. He then approached the survivor and, without her consent, grabbed her hand, squeezed her fingers, and said that her nails looked good and that he loved her nail polish color,” the court document states.

It also describes how she was forcefully pushed and restrained while inappropriate acts were committed against her. The survivor was in shock and although she tried to push the “accused” away, she was threatened and forced into submission.

“She told the defendant that she would tell people about the incident. But he told her that no one would believe her as she had no profile and her reputation was nil compared to his. The survivor was completely shaken and was able to flee the room completely shaken. Even after the incident, the defendant attempted to contact the survivor, but she refused to respond to his calls and blocked him,” the court document states.

The trauma was so intense that the survivor could not talk about it with her parents. It wasn’t until 2019 that she plucked up the courage to talk about it on social media.

“The survivor subsequently received threatening messages that prevented her from filing a complaint. The survivor has experienced immense trauma, fear and suffering and still fears for her life. Therefore, urgent intervention is required. Following the complaint, the FIR was registered against the accused,” the bereaved’s lawyer argued why Siddique should be arrested and denied bail.

While seeking bail, Siddique’s lawyer alleged that there was inordinate delay in filing the complaint and alleged that the FIR was registered only eight years later, proving the falsehood and hollowness of the crime. The survivor did not provide a plausible explanation for the excessive delay in filing the complaint.

The court held that a delay in filing a complaint did not weaken the prosecution’s arguments. If there has been a delay, this is not a reason to dismiss the case, especially if a bail application is being considered.

Justice CS Dias of the Kerala High Court rejected Siddique’s bail application, stating that “victims of sexual abuse and assault may face psychological, emotional and social barriers that lead to delay in reporting the matter, which is in context the situation must be understood.” Trauma. The survivor too must have gone through a lot of turmoil and only after serious consideration did she decide to file the FIR.”

Explaining the reasons for denying bail, the court said that after an overall examination of the facts, the nature, gravity and seriousness of the allegations made against the plaintiff and the evidence, it is prima facie apparent that the plaintiff is involved in the was involved in the crime. The plaintiff’s interrogation in custody is necessary for the proper investigation of the crime.

Siddique’s lawyer argued that the survivor had not alleged in her social media posts that the complainant had sexual intercourse, so the charge under Section 375 of the IPC was not applicable. The lawyer also argued that the survivor is outspoken and does not hesitate to falsely accuse others, making it unlikely that she would be afraid to file a complaint against someone who misbehaved with her.

It was also argued that “the survivor used the ‘MeToo’ hashtag, which shows that she is trying to blackmail the petitioner.” Siddique’s lawyer further alleged that the survivor had repeatedly made defamatory posts against the petitioner and published them in print, visual and social media and “the petitioner’s silence has left the survivor insecure”. They argued that the case and allegations were made only to put Siddique behind bars.

“The petitioner is a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record. He is prepared to comply with all conditions set by this court and to cooperate with the investigation. Since the complaint is received very late, there is no need for detention and custodial interrogation of the plaintiff to collect evidence,” argued Siddique’s lawyer.

Siddique’s lawyers also claimed that the delay in filing the case was an indication that the allegations made by the survivor were untrue and aimed at “denigrating the image” of the actor. They also stated that the survivor “did not provide a plausible explanation for the excessive delay.”

The survivor’s lawyer argued that “due to the plaintiff’s position of power, the survivor feared for her life, which is why she did not complain earlier.” After the Justice Hema Commission report was published and many stakeholders opened up, the survivor also gathered courage , to complain,” the bail document states.

In denying Siddique bail, Judge Dias’ reasoning was clear: the seriousness of the allegations and the evidence presented. “…the examination of the plaintiff in custody is necessary for the proper investigation of the crime, especially since his defense completely denies the incident and a potency test is to be carried out. Given the public prosecutor’s reasonable fears that the plaintiff could intimidate witnesses and tamper with evidence…”

The arguments in this case also highlight the larger struggle for justice in sexual assault cases in India and the need to create a system that recognizes survivors’ trauma, including the fear of being defamed, slandered, or even labeled as frivolous.