Month: October 2024

In an exclusive interview, we delve into the complexities of purchasing probate properties in California. Erik Kaiser from REMAX highlights that buying such properties not only involves intricate legal procedures but also comes with a myriad of potential disputes. “The sale of probate properties often involves multiple stakeholders, from heirs to creditors, and each step carries its own uncertainties,” he explains.

One of the most common issues buyers face is ownership disputes regarding the probate property. If the property’s ownership is legally unclear or contested, buyers may find themselves in a title dispute. Therefore, it’s critical for prospective buyers to conduct a comprehensive title search before making a purchase. Additionally, securing title insurance can provide an extra layer of protection and significantly lower the risk of future title disputes.

Kaiser notes that selling probate properties usually requires court approval. “Even if the buyer and seller have reached an agreement, it must go through a court hearing and ultimately receive the judge’s approval,” he adds. This means that buyers are entering a process that could face additional scrutiny.

The probate sale process also includes an auction-style overbidding procedure. This is crucial for buyers to understand; even after signing a preliminary purchase agreement, other potential buyers can submit higher offers during the court hearing, which means the original buyer risks losing the property at the last moment. To prepare for this possibility, buyers should allocate a sufficient budget for bidding.

Another significant concern is the condition of the property itself. “Probate properties often come with a history of poor maintenance or years without repairs,” Kaiser warns. Hidden defects can pose future threats to buyers. To mitigate these risks, it’s advisable for buyers to conduct thorough property inspections, checking structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and more.

Buyers must also keep an eye on other critical issues, such as estate taxes, potential debt concerns, heirs’ objections, and legal risks associated with contract terms. For inexperienced buyers, navigating the legal, financial, and property-related challenges tied to purchasing probate properties can be daunting.

On October 21, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as reported by CNN.

In a recent statement to reporters, Austin mentioned that he plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov to discuss Ukraine’s weapon requirements and how the U.S. can continue to support the country.

Analysts suggest that this visit aims to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to Ukraine ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

On October 26, 2023, in Huizhou, Li Jinmin, former director of the Institute of Semiconductors at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the National Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Lighting Innovation, emphasized the expanding scale of China’s LED display market as technology advances and application scenarios broaden.

The remarks were made during the 20th anniversary celebration of Zhouming Technology and the Global Ecological Partners Conference held in Daya Bay, Guangdong. The event brought together industry associations, designers, experts, domestic and international partners, and investors to discuss the future trends and extensive applications of display technology. Lin Mingfeng, chairman of Zhouming Technology, shared that his company is a leader in the global display industry, boasting the world’s largest smart manufacturing base for LED displays. The company operates research and development centers in China, Japan, and the United States, and has an extensive sales network covering over 160 countries and regions, alongside deep collaborations with more than 5,600 partners and more than 20 overseas branches.

Li Jinmin reflected on the evolution of China’s LED industry, noting its transformation from following to competing and eventually leading in certain sectors. “Over the past 20 years, China has become the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of LEDs. Overall, we have a comprehensive industrial chain in semiconductor lighting, with key equipment fully localized and a leading position in patent applications globally,” he stated. According to the China Optical Optoelectronic Industry Association, the overall scale of China’s LED display market reached 75 billion RMB in 2023.

Currently, the application scenarios for LED displays in China are continuously expanding. For instance, regarding X-ray virtual studios, more than ten Chinese companies have entered the XR virtual production solutions market, creating the world’s largest supply chain for this technology. In terms of cinema displays and sound-transparent screens, over 20 models have received DCI certification and are gradually being implemented in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Furthermore, shipments of LED integrated systems have shown stable growth for three consecutive years, with over 5,000 units sold last year in mainland China, representing a 15% year-on-year increase. Micro-LED technology is also beginning to find applications in wearable electronics and high-end large-sized televisions.

Li pointed out that the LED display industry currently faces significant opportunities driven by policy direction, technological advancements, and content upgrades. With the push for small pitch and Mini-LED display products, both domestic and international markets for LED displays are expected to continue growing. In 2023, the combined revenues of six major listed companies in the LED display sector—Zhouming Technology, Leyard, Absen, Lehman Optoelectronics, Lianjian Optoelectronics, and Aoto Electronics—amounted to 21.783 billion RMB, accounting for 30% of the overall market; the top 20 companies’ sales comprised 50% of the national total.

LED display companies are evolving from mere product manufacturers to providers of system solutions, focusing on integration, high density, and miniaturization with Mini/Micro LED technology. During the global ecological partners conference, Zhouming Technology showcased its achievements in various niche areas such as Mini/Micro LED, virtual filming, and stage rental, unveiling its latest products.

On October 24th, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Doha, Qatar, as reported by AFP, with plans to discuss the escalating situation in Gaza with Qatari officials who are acting as mediators.

This marks Blinken’s 11th visit to the Middle East since the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict began, following prior trips to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

According to sources, Hamas’s political bureau is headquartered in Qatar, and Blinken’s visit aims to explore ways to facilitate the resumption of ceasefire negotiations for the Gaza Strip.

On October 21, during his ongoing participation in the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, took the opportunity to discuss the latest economic developments in Hong Kong. He emphasized the city’s unique position as an international financial center and a “super connector.”

In a session focused on global and regional economic and financial outlooks, Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s economic situation and reaffirmed the city’s strong commitment to rules-based free trade and multilateralism. He asserted that Hong Kong plays a vital bridging role between traditional and emerging markets, particularly in advancing the regional digital economy and innovative technologies.

During discussions on sustainable finance and infrastructure, Chan elaborated on Hong Kong’s function as an international financial hub. He noted the city’s efforts to effectively match funding with green projects and infrastructure initiatives. By leveraging financial innovation and collaborating with international organizations, Hong Kong is working to securitize infrastructure loans from various regions and issue catastrophe bonds, thereby directing more international funding toward projects in developing countries. This, he indicated, will significantly aid their infrastructure development and address the challenges posed by climate change. He also shared insights into Hong Kong’s latest initiatives in green and transition finance.

Additionally, Chan participated in discussions on the development of digital finance, offering examples of Hong Kong’s experiences in enhancing fintech and promoting inclusive financial practices.

Throughout the Finance Ministers’ Meeting, Chan held bilateral discussions with South Korea’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Choi Sang-mok, as well as with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Vu Thanh Nguyen.

Study offers actions Biden can take after surge in child labor violations and warns protections may weaken under Trump
Michael SainatoWed 16 Oct 2024 07.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 16 Oct 2024 07.01 EDTShareState governments across the US are taking steps to eliminate protections for minors as rates of child labor violations, injuries and chronic school absenteeism rise, according to a report released on Wednesday.
The report by Governing For Impact, the Economic Policy Institute, and Child Labor Coalition proposes actions the Biden-Harris administration can take in response to a recent surge in child labor violations around the country and a trend of some states passing legislation that rollbacks state-level child labor protections.
Its authors also warn that moves to weaken child protections will likely escalate under a second Trump presidency.
Injury rates among workers under the age of 18 nearly doubled from 2011 to 2020. All child labor violations almost increased by four times between 2015 and 2022, and hazard occupation violations more than doubled during the same time period.
At the same time, legislators in more than 30 states have moved to weaken child labor protections since 2021, often citing claims of labor shortages and backed by industry groups in these pushes. The report noted these rollbacks at the state level have often either conflicted with federal law or sowed confusion among employers over which are applicable to them, leading to more child labor violations.
Project 2025, a conservative guide for a second Trump administration, which aligns closely with Donald Trump’s policies and was authored and promoted by numerous former Trump officials and allies, advocates for rolling back child labor protections, the report cites.
“Some young adults show an interest in inherently dangerous jobs,” Project 2025 claims. “With parental consent and proper training, certain young adults should be allowed to learn and work in more dangerous occupations.”
“If Trump wins, we know what to expect. He will try to weaken and loosen child labor protections. He did that in his first term,” said Reid Maki, director of child labor advocacy and coordinator at the Child Labor Coalition. “They’ll look for weak points, or use some false arguments to try to weaken protections.”
He noted the Trump administration attempted several rollbacks of child labor protections, including an effort to roll back hazardous occupation rules for child workers in nursing homes and rolling back a ban on the pesticide chlorpyrifos, despite its ties to childhood brain damage, and pushing to allow child workers to apply dangerous pesticides.
“We need to look for ways to make work safer for kids and not expose them to unnecessary hazards, added Maki. “We’re particularly concerned about the idea that tobacco has never been added to the list of hazardous occupations, and we know that kids in the US are farming tobacco, are harvesting tobacco, and they’re getting sick while doing it.”
In light of these ongoing policy efforts to further roll back current child labor protections, the report argues the US Department of Labor should strengthen current child labor protections to address the recent increases in child labor violations across the US.
“Even with full-throated enforcement of these regulations, it’s not enough to sort of protect kids from what’s going on now in the economy,” said Reed Shaw, policy counsel at Governing for Impact and co-author of the report.
“In recent years, states have been dropping their protections below the federal minimum, which serves to confuse employers and employees about what their actual protections are, so a revised federal regulation that is more clear for loopholes and exemptions would just serve as a more of a bright line rule for employers,” added Shaw. “The legal authority is there, the empirical data is there. And so it’s time for the Department of Labor to implement some of these changes to protect workers.”
The report argued the wage and hour division at the US labor department should expand the list of hazardous occupations, increase protections for child workers in hazardous agricultural jobs for the first time in nearly 60 years, and issue regulations prohibiting employers from scheduling certain child workers for overnight shifts and requiring rest breaks and one day off per week for others.
The report also argues the student-learner and apprenticeship exemptions should be closed and that additional funding and personnel need to be provided to the US Department of Labor to address these child labor issues.
The US Department of Labor declined to enact several recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in 2007 for administrative reasons, but the report argues the department should reassess and enact the rest of those recommendations.
These include creating new hazardous occupation orders, revising existing hazardous occupations, closing exemptions to certain hazardous occupations.
The report also noted regulations to protect child workers have not been updated substantially since 2010, while most are far older.
Kansas cult leaders convicted of making children work 16-hour days without payRead moreWork hours should also be revised to protect child workers given chronic school absenteeism and increases in injuries and child labor violations, it argues, recommending the US Department of Labor wage and hour division begin a notice and comment rule-making process to expand breaks for 14- and 15-year-old workers, prohibit overnight hours for 16- and 17-year-old workers, and issue a ban on overnight shifts for agricultural workers under the age of 16.
An effort to enact child labor restrictions in the agricultural sector was abandoned in 2012 after an aggressive industry lobby campaign against it.
Nina Mast, policy and economic analyst at the Economic Policy Institute and a co-author of the report, said: “At the time when we’re seeing violations on the rise, and we’re simultaneously seeing states go back on their commitment to raising standards to be above federal minimums, I think it’s really urgent that we address our federal standards and raise them for children across the country who may be working in hazardous environments or in an environment that is not appropriate for someone of their age.”

On October 15, the Beijing Housing Provident Fund Management Center (referred to as the “Housing Fund Center”) announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of personal housing loan services backed by the housing provident fund. This announcement, detailed in a notice titled “Notice on Implementing Pilot Work to Improve the Quality and Efficiency of Housing Provident Fund Personal Housing Loan Services,” outlines a series of measures designed to elevate the service experience for borrowers.

**Introducing Three Convenient Service Models**

The notice introduces three new service models aimed at increasing accessibility for housing loans:

1. **Same-Day Processing at Service Centers**: Borrowers can apply for provident fund loans at designated service counters. If they meet the loan application criteria—such as having a property evaluation completed for second-hand homes or verification that a new property has reached the appropriate construction stage— staff can complete the initial and final review, as well as conduct a face-to-face signing, all on the same day.

2. **Online Application with Home Signing**: Borrowers can apply for loans online, with partnering commercial banks providing on-site signing services under the guidance of the Housing Fund Center. This eliminates the need for borrowers to visit a counter.

3. **Authorized Agency Services**: Bank personnel, upon obtaining a borrower’s authorization, can submit loan applications on their behalf at the Housing Fund Center’s counters, allowing borrowers to avoid unnecessary travel.

**Enhancing Borrower Experience**

The Housing Fund Center is focused on improving service delivery through innovative models, streamlined processes, and efficient online communication:

– **Experience Upgrade 1: Simplified Application Procedures**: Borrowers can now use a commercial loan application form to submit their information. Second-hand home evaluations will be conducted in advance, with results transferred electronically, allowing eligible applicants a “zero-materials” application process.

– **Experience Upgrade 2: Reduced Wait Times**: If applicants meet the necessary criteria at the counter—such as having an evaluation completed—they can sign loan agreements the same day, significantly speeding up the process from application to contract signing.

– **Experience Upgrade 3: Fewer Trips Required**: The variety of service models means that borrowers are no longer limited to visiting a counter once. Depending on their situation, borrowers can either conduct their transactions in-person on the same day or access services remotely, without needing to travel.

– **Experience Upgrade 4: Streamlined Mortgage Processes**: After property transactions are completed, borrowers can use a WeChat mini-program to upload property ownership certificates, allowing them to manage documents without leaving their home.

**Same-Day Service Possible**

According to a spokesperson from the Housing Fund Center, preliminary trials at select loan sites and banks have shown a marked increase in efficiency and convenience. The same-day service for second-hand home loans has been particularly well-received, completing all necessary steps—evaluation, reviews, and face-to-face signing—within one day.

For first-hand combined loans where banks conduct face-to-face signings at the borrower’s location, the process can be wrapped up within three working days. The new service model also facilitates in-home signing for instances where meeting in person poses challenges, ensuring high satisfaction among buyers and sellers alike.

Currently, eleven commercial banks are collaborating with the Housing Fund Center to offer these services, with the initial banks involved being Bank of Communications, China Merchants Bank, Beijing Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Construction Bank. The Housing Fund Center plans to continue working with additional banks to refine and implement these services further.

On October 16, a rally was held at City Hall Park in Manhattan, organized by the coalition Hedge Clippers, comprised of unions and progressive groups. The event targeted the education advocacy organization “PLACE NYC,” claiming it is controlled by far-right billionaires who spread anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans, and racially discriminatory rhetoric and policies within the New York education system. City Council member Erik Bottcher spoke at the rally.

Hedge Clippers released a report alleging that PLACE NYC’s founders, Jia Ting and Maud Maron, were once leaders at the “Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism” (FAIR), which has ties to the conservative think tank, the Manhattan Institute, sharing numerous donors from the far-right billionaire class. The report contends that these billionaires manipulate Jia and Maud to promote right-wing agendas in New York schools, endangering the safety of Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ students. Among the attendees at the rally were state senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Jabari Brisport.

In response, Jia Ting dismissed the accusations as “fabricated and unfounded,” asserting that PLACE NYC has always operated as a grassroots initiative driven by passionate parents dedicated to maintaining high educational standards, and that the organization has never accepted money for its activities. Regarding the criticisms of anti-LGBTQ+ and racially discriminatory views, Jia emphasized that PLACE NYC’s mission has always been to uphold rigorous teaching standards, stressing that individual members’ statements do not represent the organization as a whole.

Jia noted her personal connections with many LGBTQ+ friends and explained that as a parent, she believes parents play a crucial role in helping teens navigate their paths in exploring gender identity. “As a tomboy during my own adolescence, I recognize that misleading external opinions could have influenced my decisions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Maud Maron faced controversy earlier this year when she was removed from her position on the Manhattan District 2 school board by then-education chancellor David Banks for denying the existence of transgender children in a private chat. Maud maintains her stance from that conversation, arguing that “defending the rights of girls and women does not equate to being against transgender individuals.”

The latest data from the Education Department reveals that when categorizing students into different admission priority “levels,” factors such as race, family income, disability status, and English proficiency have emerged as significant influences. New York City’s high school application process is notoriously competitive and complex. For most high schools, the GPA from core subjects in seventh grade is the most crucial determinant of whether applicants can gain entry into top-tier schools.

This year, eighth-grade applicants will be classified into five levels based on their seventh-grade core course grades. Level One represents students in the top 15% citywide (with a GPA of at least 94.25%) or in the top 15% of their respective school (with a GPA of at least 90%). Conversely, Level Five represents the bottom 30% of students, with average grades below 76%. Generally, students must achieve a Level One ranking to be considered for selective schools, as lower levels lead to fewer options; those in Level Five have the lowest admission priority.

Recent application statistics show that while Asian students make up only 13.3% of total applicants, they constitute an impressive 31.6% of Level One students, totaling 4,200—more than any other racial group. Following this, White and Latino students have a higher presence in Level One than African American students, who see the least representation with only 1,300 attaining this level.

Moreover, English Language Learners (ELLs) are 2.5 times more likely to be placed in the lowest Level Five compared to their English-proficient peers. This year, only 185 ELLs made it to Level One, while a staggering 5,100 were assigned to Level Five. Similarly, students with disabilities faced unfavorable outcomes, with nearly 13 times as many classified in Level Five compared to those in Level One.

Julia Zhang, founder of PLACE NYC, notes, “Math used to be a subject that transcended language.” For new immigrants from China, math is often their strongest subject. However, in recent years, math instruction has increasingly focused on the language aspects rather than problem-solving skills, which has hindered new immigrants from showcasing their mathematical strengths. Additionally, she believes that the pandemic has caused many new immigrant students to lose their English learning environments, resulting in “irreversible damage” to their English abilities.

On October 20, 2023, a significant gathering of over a thousand international guests convened to address a pressing question: How can we accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals?

The Second Tongzhou Global Development Forum, held from October 18 to 20, was hosted by Renmin University of China. In his keynote address, Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia and Chair of the World Leaders Alliance, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and analyzing development visions for 2030 and 2050.

In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, actions to expedite sustainable development are more critical than ever. Speaking at the forum, Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, highlighted the compounded crises and increasing global uncertainties we face. He asserted the urgent need for dynamic new pathways to tackle these issues through global cooperation and collective action.

Reflecting on the current global context, former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Omurbek Babanov, articulated the forum’s mission: uniting for common goals, discussing effective globalization strategies, and envisaging new chapters in modernization.

Adding to the conversation, John Howarth, former Director of the London Economic and Business Policy Institute, and recipient of the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award, noted that the world has entered a transformative phase. He described two distinct paths moving forward: one championed by China’s concept of a shared human destiny, advocating interdependence and cooperation, and the other representing a zero-sum approach that fosters division and loss.

As Howarth highlighted, the choices made by nations will significantly impact humanity’s collective interests, determining whether we cultivate a unified world or fall into a competitive, win-lose dynamic.

The forum’s theme, “Building a Community for Development and Creating a New Era for Humanity,” featured two plenary sessions and 11 sub-forums. Participants engaged in discussions on global governance, green development, cultural exchange, and the vitality of youth innovation.

Former Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Jacek Kuczynski, urged for a unified global response to pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and green development. He called for consensus building and increased dialogue to combat conflicts with reason, seek win-win cooperation, and drive the establishment of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Chen Zhou, Deputy Minister of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, expressed hopes for political parties worldwide to create a “symbiotic development community” focused on people-centered principles, mutual growth, and multilateral cooperation.

Professor Qian Chengdan from Peking University emphasized the importance of acknowledging the diversity of civilizations and recognizing the equal rights of nations to choose their own development paths without a one-size-fits-all “correct” direction.

During the forum, Renmin University released a report titled “Humanity 2050: Comprehensive Human and Social Development.” The report underscored China’s commitment to sustainable development goals through the concepts of a community with a shared future for mankind and a global development initiative, illustrating a fusion of China’s modernization efforts with global sustainable development.

Devrat Gulong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center), praised China’s significant achievements in South-South cooperation, poverty alleviation, technological innovation, and infrastructure development, highlighting China’s role as a leader in promoting world peace and development.

According to Solly Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party, the transformative progress under the leadership of the Communist Party of China represents a notable instance of how party capability can facilitate modern advancement. He noted the critical importance of cooperation among Global South countries, urging unity and collaboration to enhance their collective role on the international stage and infuse a new era of meaning into the pursuit of global prosperity and a shared human future.