TikTok spreads to allied countries and beyond

BBC news-Joe Tidy BBC World Service -- Could TikTok ever be banned in the UK too?.

The app has been switched off in America after US lawmakers ruled it was a national security risk because of owner ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government - ties it denies.

Incoming President Trump has indicated though that he is opposed to the ban and will find a way to reverse it.

If the US ban goes ahead, experts point to the previous ousting of Chinese and Russian tech companies on national security grounds as a potential blueprint for how the TikTok ban might spread around the world.

Man leaps on polar bear to save wife from attack

By Amarachi Orie, CNN- A man is recovering from serious injuries after leaping onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled by the animal, according to police in Canada’s Ontario province.

A man and a woman in the town of Fort Severn had left their home before 5 a.m. local time to look for their dogs and, while in the driveway, “a polar bear lunged at the woman,” Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) said in a news release Tuesday.

“The woman slipped to (the) ground as her husband leapt onto the animal to prevent its attack. The bear then attacked the male, causing serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and legs,” the service added.

The man “is expected to recover,” police said.

While the man grappled with the animal, “a neighbor arrived with a firearm and shot the bear several times. The bear retreated to a nearby wooded area where it died from its injuries,” NAPS said.

Police officers, who arrived at the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and a possible bear sighting in the area, “located a deceased polar bear,” the service said, adding: “Police continued to patrol the area to ensure no other bears were roaming the community.”

While polar bear sightings in the area are common, attacks are “rare but not unheard of,” a police spokesperson told CNN affiliate CTV News.

Fort Severn is located near Hudson Bay.

Polar bears around the bay prefer to hunt seals while out on the sea ice, but when the ice breaks up, which occurred earlier than usual in southern Hudson Bay this year, they head inland to search for food, Alysa McCall, director of conservation outreach and a staff scientist at Polar Bears International, told CNN affiliate CBC News on Tuesday.

38 people die in a crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil AP — A crash between a passenger bus and a truck early Saturday killed 38 people on a highway in Minas Gerais, a state in southeastern Brazil, officials said.

The Minas Gerais fire department, which responded to the scene, said 13 others were taken to hospitals near the city of Teofilo Otoni. The bus had reportedly departed from Sao Paulo and was carrying 45 passengers.

Authorities said Saturday afternoon that all victims had been removed from the site and an investigation would determine the cause of the accident. Witnesses told rescue teams that the bus blew a tire, causing the driver to lose control and collide with a truck. Others said that a granite block hit the bus, the fire department added.

A car with three passengers also collided with the bus, but all three survived.

Gov. Romeu Zema wrote on X that he ordered “full mobilization” of the Minas Gerais government to assist the victims.

“We are working to ensure that families of the victims are supported to face this tragedy in the most humane way possible, especially as it comes just before Christmas,” Zema said.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement Saturday that federal officials were at Minas Gerais state disposal. “I deeply regret and send my prayers to the families of the more than 30 fatalities from the accident in Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais. I pray for the recovery of the survivors of this terrible tragedy,” Lula said.

In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

In September, a bus carrying a football team flipped on a road and killed three people. The Coritiba Crocodiles, a team from the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba, was headed to a game in Rio de Janeiro, where they were set to play in the country’s American football championship. The game was canceled following the deadly accident.

Pupil killed, several injured in stabbing attack at Croatia elementary school

By Christian Edwards, CNN-  A child has been killed and eight others have been injured in a knife attack at an elementary school in the Croatian capital Zagreb.

A 19-year-old assailant, reportedly a former student, entered a first-grade classroom at Prečko Elementary School early on Friday morning, where he attacked the teacher and several children with a knife, as reported by CNN affiliate N1.

The victim who lost her life was identified as a 7-year-old girl, according to the Associated Press.

Helicopters have been transporting the injured to various hospitals throughout the city. The teacher has suffered life-altering injuries and is currently in critical condition, as stated by Sveti Duh Hospital.

“The assailant is in police custody. Those injured are receiving medical care,” announced the Zagreb police.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as ambulances hurried to the school and individuals evacuated the premises. Videos circulating on social media depicted numerous people fleeing from a building adjacent to the school’s sports fields.

Various officials, including Mayor Tomislav Tomasevic and Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic, have arrived at the scene, according to N1.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed the nation’s shock at the “tragedy,” stating that Health Minister Irena Hristic will visit the hospitals treating the injured.

Incidents of school violence are uncommon in Croatia and the Balkan region. Last year, Serbia experienced two mass shootings within a span of two days, the first of which occurred at a school in the capital, Belgrade.

Netanyahu says he spoke with Trump about need for ‘victory,’ as Israeli government approves plan for Golan expansion

By Eugenia Yosef, Sophie Tanno, Nadeen Ebrahim and Michael Rios, CNN - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he had a “very warm” phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump, during which they spoke about the need for Israel’s victory in its war on Hamas in Gaza and its stance on Syria.

In a video statement, Israel’s leader said he discussed a range of issues with Trump during the call on Saturday evening, including Israel’s commitment to preventing Lebanon-based Hezbollah from rearming and Israel’s conflict with Hamas, which has killed nearly 45,000 Palestinians in the besieged Gaza strip.

The leaders also spoke of the need to bring home the remaining hostages in Gaza, Netanyahu said.

“I discussed all of this again last night with my friend, US President-elect Donald Trump,” Netanyahu said.

“It was a very friendly, very warm and very important conversation. We spoke about the need to complete Israel’s victory, and we also spoke at length about the efforts we are making to free our hostages.”

Hamas and other groups are believed to still be holding 100 hostages in Gaza, including seven Americans. All but four of the hostages were captured during Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Netanyahu said that Israel continues to “work tirelessly to bring our hostages home, both the living and the dead. And I add, the less we talk about it, the better, and so with God’s help, we will succeed.”

CNN has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.

‘No interest in confronting’ Syria

Regarding Syria, where a rebel coalition overthrew the regime of President Bashar al-Assad last weekend following a lightning advance through the country, Netanyahu said that Israel had “no interest in a conflict” the country, but would adjust its policy according to the “emerging reality on the ground.”

His latest comments come after Israeli forces following Assad’s fall took control of a long-standing buffer zone that had separated Israeli and Syrian forces for decades – a move the rebels now in charge of Syria and some of the country’s neighbors have criticized.

Israeli officials have said the measure is temporary and Netanyahu has previously insisted Israel has “no intention” of intervening in Syria’s internal affairs.

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Loveland Ski Area
Georgetown, Colorado, United States - (on-site)

Description

Does your love of numbers equal your passion for snow sports? Come find your work-play balance with us! Consider joining Loveland - one of the few remaining family-owned ski areas where we have stayed true to the sport, and our focus is simply on skiing/riding.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibit Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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Accounts Payable Accountant

Accounts Payable Accountant

At Lake Shore Cryotronics, there are hundreds of different ways our employees help advance science. The groundbreaking contributions that get satellites into space or high-speed rail on a track can all start with YOU. Come join our team and leave your mark in the history of science and technology that 

Why Lake Shore Cryotronics?

Innovative Environment: Be part of a team that develops cutting-edge solutions for aerospace, quantum computing, and physics research.
Global Impact: Over 60% of our sales come from outside North America. We also work with industry-leading customers like IBM, CERN, Google, and Blue Origin.
Collaborative Culture: Work alongside engineers, physicists, and scientists to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards.

About the Role:

We are seeking a full-time, experienced Accounts Payable Accountant to own the accounts payable function from beginning to end. This role involves ensuring accurate financial transactions, timely supplier payments, and adherence to company accounting standards. You will advise on accounts payable matters, analyze financial data, oversee daily supplier invoices to purchase order reconciliations, and participate in financial audits while collaborating with various departments.

Key Responsibilities:

Own Accounts Payable Function: Ensure timely processing and payment of invoices, proper matching of purchasing and receiving documents, and accurate distribution to general ledger expense accounts.
Invoice and Voucher Management: Ensure invoices and vouchers are appropriately approved, documented, and recorded.
Payment Processing: Prepare batch check runs, wire transfers, and ACH transactions, reviewing checks and vouchers for accuracy.
Supplier Correspondence: Handle supplier inquiries via phone or email, resolving account status issues.
Collaboration: Work with other departments to resolve variances on disputed bills and returned products.
Financial Reporting: Prepare guidelines for coding invoices, monthly expense accruals, and assist with month-end closings.
Audit Participation: Own the accounts payable section during financial audits and implement recommendations.
Reconciliation: Reconcile the subsidiary suppliers ledger with the accounts payable total and the general ledger.
Process Improvement: Assist in implementing accounting software upgrades and process improvements.

Qualifications:

2+ years of relevant accounting experience
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and basic Excel skills
Familiarity with ERP or accounting software
Preferred: Bachelors degree in accounting or related field

Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive Salary: Target starting salary of $60k-$72k per year.
Comprehensive Insurance Package: Medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life, short-term and long-term disability.
401k Matching: Secure your future with our 401k matching program.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Employer contributions to your HSA.
Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance starting at 17 days of PTO per year and 12-14 paid holidays.
Wellness Incentive Program: Stay healthy with our wellness program and enjoy an onsite fitness facility.
Tuition Reimbursement: Continue your education with our support.
Career Development: Opportunities for growth and advancement. 

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Book Keeper

Bookkeeper
Neath

£27,000 - £31,000 + Annual Bonus + FULL Private Medical + Pension + 25 Days Holiday + 9-5Mon-Fri + 'IMMEDIATE START'

Are you an experienced Bookkeeper looking to be valued and rewarded for hard work? Step into a new role in an established insurance business based in Neath. Your role as Book Keeper will enable you to work in a recession proof industry in a vibrant and exciting family-friendly business.

Utilise your experience as a Bookkeeper and transfer your technical knowledge into an environment that will set you up for success. The company has a fantastic culture, and truly cares about the well-being of their team and customers. Take up your next role as Bookkeeper and hit the ground running.

Your Role As Bookkeeper Will Include:

• Bookkeeping (Sales Ledger & Purchase Ledger), Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Accounts Processing & Reporting.
• Processing payments, invoices, income and receipts and entering data into accounting software or databases then filing hard copies
• Preparing financial statements showing business income and expenditure
• Paying vendor invoices and tracking bank account balances
• Completing VAT returns
• Commutable to the office in Neath

The Successful Bookkeeper Will Have:

• Proven experience in a Bookkeeper role
• Strong Accounts, Ledger, VAT, Wages and good Financial acumen
• Competency to use Xero, Sage or Open GI Accounting software
• Full Right to work in UK and Clean Drivers Licence
• Key Words: Bookkeeper, Credit Controller, Accounts assistant, Finance Manager, Insurance, Neath, Port Talbot, Swansea, Bridgend, Wales

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Senior Manager, Product (Lease Accounting)

Senior Manager, Product (Lease Accounting)
Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Remote, UK
Permanent full time

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Manager, Product within our Innervision team at IRIS Software Group! 

This role requires you to gather and collate insights from market research, customers and prospects as well as from sales and support feedback, competitive research and product performance stats.

To be successful, you must demonstrate understanding of the market, the customers, the PEST and competitive pressures affecting the market and fundamentally understand how customers of the product value the product over time. These insights will be analysed to develop proposals, business cases and used to set prices, licensing methods and packaging.

You are responsible for proposing product and portfolio strategy and taking the lead on roadmaps including guiding creation of requirements, specifications, prototypes and gaining customer and market validation of decisions and clearly demonstrating customer values and benefits. You will also produce delivery timetables while managing customer expectations, evangelising and helping resolve issues.

You will work with marketing to launch and promote products, features, benefits and new releases as well as providing sales collateral and training to enable successful go to market plans. You must have the ability to originate, construct, present and persuade colleagues to make investments into the product for articulated returns and will be measured on the growing profitable performance of the product over time.

The above responsibilities will drive the customer adoption, revenue & profit for the product to meet and beat annual targets and provide long-term growth. This particular role for Innervision will require strong knowledge of Lease accounting and will drive the success of the products in the build up to the implementation of FRED 82 (now FRS 102 for leases) that takes effect from January 2026.

This role will lead on and support the Product Owner and Subject Matter Expert creation of detailed requirements transforming legislation into digestible work packages for engineering. Building the knowledge, value proposition and story telling of our marketing and sales teams to take advantage of the new opportunity.

Responsibilities 

• Understand market dynamics and predict market direction
• Understand competitors’ direction, strengths and weakness and how the product competes
• Understand how customers value a product, how customers are segmented, and how those segments are developing over time
• Control the spend on product development, ensuring maximum possible return for that spend
• Maximise opportunities to win new customers, including from cross-selling other products
• Understanding customer attrition and taking product led decisions to minimise it
• Manage & nurture a team who will help deduce, define and specify what needs to change to maximise all the above
• Market & Competitor research and reporting (incl. opportunities and threats) • Product performance reporting measuring success
• Creating and maintaining product roadmaps
• Business cases/financial justification for prioritisation of features

Experience and Knowledge 

• Ideally strong experience of lease accounting And/or an experienced leader
• Training as a product manager/natural aptitude
• Commercial understanding
•  Preferred: Understanding of modern agile software development processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to present in a sales, customer and executive context
• Creative personality – with ability to empathise and model customer desires & needs
• Disciplined management ability: caring about process, quality, setting and managing expectations
• Ability to influence and domain knowledge would be advantageous 

what can we offer you?

• Competitive salary including quarterly commission scheme and bonus scheme
• 26 days holiday allowance
• Private medical healthcare
• Life assurance
• Pension
• Complimentary benefits, including Bike to Work and discount schemes

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Russia detains Uzbek man over general's killing in Moscow

Amy Walker -BBC News - Russia's security service says a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan has been detained over the killing of senior general Igor Kirillov and his assistant in Moscow.

Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces, was outside a residential block early on Tuesday when an explosive device hidden in a scooter was detonated remotely.

The Russian security service said the unnamed suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, according to state media agencies.

Ukraine's security service had already claimed it was behind the killing, a source told the BBC on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian source said Kirillov - who was Russia's chemical weapons chief - was "a legitimate target" and alleged he had carried out war crimes.

On Monday, the day before the killing, Ukraine charged Kirillov, 54, in absentia, saying he was "responsible for the mass use of banned chemical weapons". Russia denies the allegations.

The Russian Federal Security Service's (FSB) public relations centre said on Wednesday the detained 29-year-old was "suspected of committing a terrorist act".

A statement said that during "interrogation he explained that he was recruited by the Ukrainian special services".