(The Center Square) – Prosecutors introduced secretly recorded audio and video along with a troubled star witness at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis returned to the Everett McKinley U.S. Courthouse Monday. Solis is facing one federal count of bribery under a deferred prosecution agreement. The ex-alderman began cooperating with federal investigators in 2016. Separately Monday, former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and Madigan codefendant Michael McClain enter the federal court building in Chicago Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. U.S. government attorney Diane MacArthur first introduced a recording of Madigan and Solis nearly two years before the alderman started cooperating with the government. The recording involved a conversation with Chinese developer, See Wong, who wanted to build a hotel on a parcel of land in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. The land was owned by the state of Illinois at the time, but Solis said a zoning change would be required from the city in order for a hotel to be built. At Madigan’s request, Solis said he facilitated the meeting on Aug. 8, 2014, at Madigan’s law firm, Madigan and Getzendanner, about the land along Wentworth Avenue between Archer Avenue and Cermak Road. Madigan’s law partner, Bud Getzendanner, discussed how successful the firm had been in working with hotels to make sure they were not taxed more than necessary. ”A large component of your expense for hotels is real estate taxes,” Getzendanner said during the recorded meeting. Getzendanner said the firm charged 12.5% of the tax savings obtained. Madigan told Wong and an interpreter about the quality of service his firm provided. “We don’t take a second seat to anybody,” Madigan said. The developer then asked for a picture with Madigan and Solis. Solis told the group that Wong would benefit from working with Madigan. “If he works with the Speaker, he will get anything he needs for that hotel,” Solis said on the recording. Solis testified that he meant the city would provide the zoning change the developer needed from the city if the developer hired Madigan’s law firm. Solis said the zoning change was approved, but the proposed hotel was never built. MacArthur asked Solis about the bribery charge he is still facing, which Solis said involved the redevelopment of a property in Chicago from a restaurant to a residential building in 2015. Solis said two problems prevented the project from moving forward: labor unions’ perceived lack of representation in the development and residents' concerns in the ward. The former alderman admitted that he solicited a campaign contribution from the developer or from one or more of the developer’s vendors while the project’s zoning change was still under consideration. Solis said he believed the developer was on board and that he would be getting donations from the developers’ vendors. The zoning change was approved by the city council, Solis said. He testified he solicited and accepted campaign contributions from other developers who had matters pending before the city council’s zoning committee. Solis then testified about about a variety of things like massages that turned sexual, trips to Las Vegas, tickets to professional sporting events, no-paperwork six-figure loans he'd paid back. He even admitted to an extramarital affair he had with an interpreter. Solis said he was separated from his wife for about five years and their house went into foreclosure. He also confessed that he lied to a collection agency by saying he was out of work. MacArthur asked Solis about his sister, Patti Solis Doyle, who worked on campaigns for former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, former President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, D-New York. Solis Doyle also managed Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008. Solis said his sister was involved in a hotel project in which the developer offered her $100,000. Solis said his sister offered to split the sum with her brother. As chairman of the city’s zoning committee, Solis said he told his sister he could not accept money regarding a hotel development. Solis said his sister told him there would be another way she could compensate him. The former alderman said he did receive funds from his sister for referring her to his friend Brian Hynes’ state vendor assistance program. Monday afternoon, Solis testified that FBI agents visited his home on June 1, 2016, and played audio and video recordings. After considering an attorney, Solis said he decided to cooperate with the FBI a few days later and agreed to let investigators tap his phone. Solis also said he told an attorney friend that he was cooperating with the FBI in regard to an investigation of an organization he was involved in. Solis said he made recordings for several investigations he was involved in as part of his deferred prosecution agreement. He began communicating with Madigan after receiving a voicemail message on June 12, 2017. Solis said he discussed the Chinatown land deal, his interest in getting a state board appointment, and referring clients to Madigan’s law firm while cooperating with the government from June 2016 to December 2017. Solis admitted that he was not really interested in a state board appointment, but he raised the issue with Madigan at the direction of law enforcement. Solis said he began communicating with Madigan codefendant Michael McClain about the Chinatown parcel in the fall of 2017. He said he had to continue to perform his duties as an alderman while cooperating with the FBI because of “the farce” that he was involved in. Solis discussed a 2017 redevelopment project that required a zoning change involving a Union West development in Chicago’s West Loop. MacArthur played a recording, dated June 12, 2017, of Madigan asking Solis about the development. During the call, Solis told the speaker he would try to arrange an introduction for Madigan with the developers. In a subsequent call, Solis promised to arrange a meeting and said, “I think these guys get it, the quid pro quo and how it works.” When MacArthur asked Solis why he said that, Solis said he didn’t know and said it was “dumb.” MacArthur asked Solis if he used the words “quid pro quo” at the direction of law enforcement. “No,” Solis said. Union West developer Andrew Cretal agreed to meet with Madigan and told Solis, “confidentially,” that his company was working with Goldman Sachs as an equity partner and that he would “circle back” with Solis. MacArthur played a recording of Madigan privately telling Solis not to use the words, “quid quo pro.” The conversation immediately preceded the meeting Cretal and the Union West group had at Madigan's and Getzendanner’s law office. During the meeting, Madigan repeated to Cretal’s group what he had said to See Wong. “We don’t take a second seat to anybody,” Madigan said. Solis said he met with Madigan again privately after the meeting with the intention of discussing the Chinatown parcel. Solis said he had been having frequent meetings about the land with potential developers. During the recording, Solis said that nothing could really happen until the state transferred the land. Connie Mixon, professor of Political Science and director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University, served as an expert witness at the corruption trial of longtime Chicago Democrat Ed Burke, who served on the city council from 1969 to 2023. A jury convicted Burke in December 2023 on 18 counts of racketeering, bribery, attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. Mixon said that Solis also testified as a cooperating witness during Burke’s trial. “It seemed as if, in the sentencing for the Burke trial, the judge did take a bit of exception to the fact that Solis, who also had potential criminal charges, was essentially getting away without any sort of repercussions,” Mixon told The Center Square. Mixon described Solis as a damaged witness. “He’s absolutely damaged, but as much as he’s damaged, you have the words on the wiretap. Having the defendants’ words played in the courtroom, they are really the witness against themselves when you have those wiretaps,” Mixon explained. Before the jury was seated Monday morning, prosecutors said they would provide the court with revised jury instructions by Dec. 3. Judge John Robert Blakey said he could deny admittance of new materials after that date if he deemed them to be untimely. Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday morning in Chicago.

Published 02:29 IST, December 12th 2024 Russian President Putin Praises Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision, His Future-Thinking Leadership and India's Growth at Russia Event New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and vision at a recent event in Russia, highlighting the significant development steps India has taken under his guidance. Noting that he has been in regular engagement with PM Modi, Putin expressed admiration for the Prime Minister’s initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, and hailed his forward-thinking approach to the country’s development. Emphasizing Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to steering India towards a technologically advanced future, Russian President Putin said, "Incidentally, we have regular contacts with Prime Minister Modi, and we speak on these matters. Of course, his initiative, Make in India, is great, but he's also a person who looks into the future, and this is a fact. We always talk about these opportunities with him, and I think you can feel that." The Russian President also praised PM Modi's economic policies while acknowledging India’s impressive growth globally. He said, "The Prime Minister is always trying to nudge India towards this development, towards pursuing high technology, and the results are evident.” “India demonstrates the highest growth rates among developing nations, and this is something to congratulate you on," Putin asserted, highlighting India's success in driving economic expansion and technological innovation. The Russian president’s remarks have come at a time when India is increasingly being recognised for its dynamic growth and strategic focus on high-tech industries. Additionally, the praise from Putin also underscores the growing bilateral strength between Russia and India. Notably, the ‘Make in India’ campaign, launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2014, aims to turn India into a global manufacturing hub, attracting foreign investment and boosting domestic industries. Moreover, the initiative focused on making India, a self-dependent country, eventually increasing the country’s exports globally. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has made significant progress in several sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and digital innovation, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Updated 02:29 IST, December 12th 2024

In a move that has the potential to reshape the landscape of online video, YouTube recently announced the rollout of a new feature that allows creators to automatically dub their videos into different languages. Leveraging Google’s advanced AI technology, this tool aims to break down language barriers and make content accessible to a global audience. But how does it work, and what implications does it have for creators and viewers alike? This new feature utilizes AI to generate high-quality dubs that capture the nuances of human speech. Creators can choose from a growing list of languages, making their content accessible to viewers around the world. This development has been met with excitement from many creators who see it as a way to expand their reach and connect with new audiences . However, it has also raised questions about the accuracy and authenticity of AI-generated dubbing. How YouTube’s Auto-Dubbing Works The process is surprisingly simple. Creators with eligible videos can simply select “Subtitles” in their YouTube Studio and then click “Auto-translate.” From there, they can choose their desired languages and publish the dubbed versions. The AI then takes over, analyzing the original audio and generating a dubbed version that aims to match the timing and intonation of the speaker. This technology is built on years of research and development in speech recognition and natural language processing. Google has been a leader in this field, and its expertise is evident in the quality of the auto-dubs. While not perfect, the AI is able to capture the nuances of human speech to a surprising degree, making the dubbed versions sound natural and engaging. Benefits for Creators Potential Concerns and Limitations While the potential benefits are significant, there are also some concerns and limitations to consider. My Experience with Auto-Dubbing I decided to try out the auto-dubbing feature on my own YouTube channel, which focuses on educational content about technology. I chose to dub one of my most popular videos into Spanish and Portuguese. The process was incredibly easy, and I was impressed with the speed at which the AI generated the dubbed versions. While the dubbing wasn’t perfect, it was surprisingly accurate and natural-sounding. I shared the dubbed versions with some native Spanish and Portuguese speakers, and they were generally impressed with the quality. They did point out a few minor errors and instances where the dubbing felt a bit flat, but overall, they felt it was a good representation of the original content. This experiment convinced me that auto-dubbing has the potential to be a valuable tool for content creators. While it may not completely replace human voice actors, it offers a quick and affordable way to reach a wider audience. The Future of Auto-Dubbing on YouTube YouTube’s auto-dubbing feature is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we create and consume online video. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect the quality of auto-dubs to improve even further. It’s likely that we’ll see more advanced features in the future, such as the ability to customize the voice and accent of the AI dubbing. This would allow creators to further tailor their content to different audiences and preferences. Tips for Using YouTube’s Auto-Dubbing Feature YouTube’s auto-dubbing feature is a powerful tool that has the potential to break down language barriers and make online video more accessible to a global audience. While it’s not without its limitations, it represents a significant step forward in the evolution of online video. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect auto-dubbing to become even more sophisticated and widely adopted. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, this feature is worth exploring. It could be the key to unlocking new audiences and expanding your reach in ways you never thought possible.HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Aidan O'Connell might not be Mr. Right for the Raiders, but he is Mr. Right Now. He did enough in Friday's 19-17 loss at Kansas City to show that Las Vegas' quarterback job will be his for the rest of the season — barring, that is, another injury. O'Connell didn't look like a quarterback who hadn't played in nearly six weeks because of a broken thumb . Plus, the Raiders had a short week to prepare for the Chiefs, meaning O'Connell only went through a series of walk-through practices. Even so, he completed 23 of 35 passes for 340 yards, including touchdown passes of 33 yards to tight end Brock Bowers and 58 yards to wide receiver Tre Tucker. He didn't throw any interceptions. “Thought he competed,” coach Antonio Pierce said Saturday morning. “I thought for what we knew we were getting with Spags (Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and that defense, that he stood in the pocket, made some tough throws, took some hits, took the shots down the field like we wanted. We had some opportunities to take shots down the field, he threw them. And I thought our skill guys did a hell of a job competing and making some really good plays for us.” O'Connell's performance would've shined even more if not for the Raiders' final offensive play. He led the Raiders from their 8-yard line to the Chiefs 32 with 15 seconds left. The plan was for O'Connell to take the snap and throw the ball away to run off a few more seconds, then send Daniel Carlson out for the potential winning field goal without giving Patrick Mahomes enough time to mount one of his signature comebacks. But rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball before O'Connell was expecting it, and the Chiefs recovered to secure another close, last-minute victory. The Raiders were called for illegal shift, which Kansas City declined. But there was some question about whether officials intended to call a false start instead. Though that infraction would have cost Las Vegas 5 yards, the pre-snap penalty still would've given Carlson a shot at the field goal. Pierce said his team heard an official's whistle before the snap, and that will be included in the Raiders' report to the NFL. “We do that every game,” Pierce said. “Typically, anywhere from three to five questions, and then we’ll get a letter within 24 to 36 hours, and we’ll read it and learn from it.” Bowers had another sensational game. He was targeted 14 times, catching 10 passes for 140 yards. For the season, he has 84 receptions for 884 yards and four TDs, making him a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year. “We’re seeing double-teams and them really shifting their zone to him, and I don’t really think it matters,” Pierce said. “I think we've got a really special player on our hand.” The Raiders need to do better on first and second downs to set up more favorable third-down conversions. They have faced 47 third downs from 7 to 10 yards, tied with the Dallas Cowboys for fifth most. Las Vegas' conversion rate on those plays is 36.2%, which actually is favorable compared to the rest of the league, but the Raiders are still creating too many of those situations. Las Vegas made life difficult for Mahomes, sacking him five times. And it wasn't just Maxx Crosby bringing the heat. Four players had at least one-half sack, including K’Lavon Chaisson, who had 1 1/2. It was a season-high total for the Raiders, and they have taken down the opposing quarterback in 30 consecutive games, the third-longest active streak. Carlson is usually money, but he missed field goals from 56, 55 and 58 yards. Hardly chip shots, but he is capable of converting from those distances. He had made 30 of 38 field goals from 50-plus yards entering the game, with a career long of 57 yards. WR DJ Turner injured his knee in the second half. 12 — The Raiders are one of three teams to fall behind double digits in each of their first 12 games of a season. The others were the 1986 Indianapolis Colts and 1972 New England Patriots. The Raiders visit Tampa Bay on Dec. 8. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Israel has ordered the forced evacuation of one of the last functioning health facilities in northern Gaza, claiming the Kamal Adwan Hospital is a "Hamas terrorist stronghold." The besieged hospital in Beit Lahiya has been the target of repeated strikes and raids by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in recent months , as Israel's bombardment of northern Gaza intensified. In a series of posts on social media the director of Kamal Adwan, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya detailed the latest Israeli attack on his hospital, saying staff and patients were being evacuated. "The occupation army is burning all the operating departments in the hospital while we are still there," he posted on Instagram. "The army evacuated the entire medical staff and the displaced people and arrested a number of the medical staff. "There are a large number of injuries among the medical staff." Hours earlier, Dr Abu Safiya said around 50 people had been killed in Israeli strikes in the area around the hospital, including five staff — a paediatrician, two paramedics, a lab technician and a maintenance worker. "Another dark day in the series of crimes against Kamal Adwan Hospital and its staff," he posted. The IDF said Hamas militants were operating from Kamal Adwan. "It has once again become a key stronghold for terrorist organisations and continues to be used as a hideout for terrorist operatives," it said. "This is despite repeated calls by the IDF to refrain from exploiting the hospital for military activities. "The troops are conducting targeted operations in the area while mitigating harm to uninvolved civilians, patients, and medical personnel." The IDF accused Hamas of violating international law by "abusing civilian infrastructure and the Gazan population as shields for its terrorist activities." International law dictates hospitals are protected during wars, unless used for purposes other than providing medical care. Israel said it would be transferring patients to other hospitals in Gaza. It did not specify which facilities would take them, and there are significant concerns about the ability of other medical centres to deal with their existing patients, let alone others from Kamal Adwan. In a statement, the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said Kamal Adwan was experiencing a "suffocating siege", and that patients were being transferred at gunpoint to the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. The ministry said there were only three hospitals in the area. "Beit Hanoun hospital was completely destroyed, and the Indonesian Hospital was completely out of order after all infrastructure was destroyed," it said. "The only hospital that was partially functioning ... is Kamal Adwan Hospital." Israel's siege of northern Gaza stretches into third month For almost three months, the IDF has laid siege to northern Gaza — targeting what it described as Hamas militants regrouping in the area. Towns such as Beit Lahiya, where Kamal Adwan Hospital is, and Jabalia are now little more than rubble after the relentless bombardment. More than 100,000 Palestinians have been forced out of the area during the campaign. The IDF has denied allegations it is trying to starve the population and cut northern Gaza off from the rest of the territory. It insists aid can get in to the area, despite humanitarian organisations arguing it is too dangerous to send much needed food and medical supplies into northern Gaza while the intense fighting continues. ABC